Keep up with the care - Early successes in counselling prospective nurses
After participating in a Bremen advisory project, fewer people are dropping out of their nursing training, according to those in charge. 86 trainees sought help in the first year of the "Stay committed to nursing" project, as project leader Anke Schmidt reported. Three quarters of the trainees eventually decided to continue their training despite initial concerns.
Hundreds of nursing staff are missing - situation is worsening
According to figures from the workers' chamber, around 580 people start their training as nursing professionals in Bremen each year, with around 30 percent dropping out prematurely. However, the smallest federal state needs about 530 graduates in the field of nursing each year to meet demand.
Hundreds of specialists are already missing in hospitals and hundreds in long-term care, as Bremen's health senator Claudia Bernhard (Left) said. At the same time, more and more people are dependent on care. And the situation will continue to deteriorate until 2035, fears Elke Heyduck, CEO of the workers' chamber. "After that, it will get really bad."
Federal state with the most nursing staff over 55 years
A big problem in Bremen is the many nursing staff who will retire in the next few years. "Bremen is the federal state with the oldest nursing staff," said Heyduck. More than 26 percent of nursing staff in Bremen are 55 years or older. Therefore, a significant number of young people or reentrants need to be won for nursing within the next ten years - the advisory project is one of several measures.
Before prospective nursing staff throw in the towel, they should ideally seek advice at least once, wishes Anke Schmidt. Most of those seeking help have problems in their private environment: they can't find affordable accommodation, don't understand the language, can't make ends meet or need help with applications. "Not only is the training itself very demanding and challenging - daily life often presents great obstacles." With support, many could continue their training.
- To address the high dropout rates in nursing training, developing comprehensive education and training programs that cater to the unique challenges faced by trainees could be beneficial.
- Recognizing the importance of retaining nursing trainees, the advisory project in Bremen not only provides assistance with private issues but also aims to enhance their overall education and training experience.
