Focus on nursing professions: New campaign should win specialists!

Focus on nursing professions: New campaign should win specialists!

Today, the challenges in health and nursing in Germany have come into focus again. On the occasion of the final report of the Nursing campaign 2024 , Angelika Beckenbach, first district council of the Bergstrasse, and Christina Arnold The results of the comprehensive initiative live from the specialist office in old age. The campaign was launched to counteract the impending emergency and in particular to bring young people closer to the diversity of the nursing profession.

As part of the campaign, nine events and activities took place, which promoted the exchange and interaction between interested parties. Among other things, the event "Care - a job for me?" Training opportunities presented. In addition, nursing tables informed about the topics of employee qualification and funding opportunities. Nine nursing homes and four clinics opened their doors to give insights into the working world and the training paths in nursing. Particularly noteworthy is the "Boys' Day", in which special information was provided for boys.

demographic challenges and shortage of skilled workers

But the cantonal efforts stand against the background of alarming demographic development. According to an analysis of Deutschlandfunk , the number of people in need of care has increased by an average of 326,000 people since 2017. This year an increase of 361,000 people in need of care was recorded. Forecasts assume that around six million people will be in need of care by 2040. This not only presents the facilities with major challenges, but also increases the lack of nurses.

From now on, the need for nurses will increase to 2.15 million by 2049, which reflects one of the main problems in the industry environment. Statistical calculations show that the number of nursing staff has to increase by a third by 2049, while a significant lack of 280,000 to 690,000 specialists predicted is.

Positive developments and the future outlook

Despite the existing challenges, the 2024 nursing campaign announced a positive balance. It was possible to increase the interest in nursing professions and to win more young people for this sector. Nevertheless, there are prejudices regarding working conditions and payment, even if the latter has improved in recent years.

In order to continue this trend, further reconnaissance campaigns are already planned, including participation in the Yolo-Days and information stands at training fairs. A hiking exhibition on the subject of nursing profession will be shown in the citizens' office in Neckarsteinach from May 14th to 28th.

As Deutschlandfunk reports, urgent measures against the lack of personnel are necessary. This includes recruitment of foreign nurses, the improvement of training and payment as well as the introduction of flexible working time models. The German nursing council estimated that a total of 500,000 additional nurses would be needed by 2034 to maintain the supply.

These impending challenges not only require a fundamental reform in the care sector, but also innovative approaches. This includes promoting technological solutions such as smart duvets or digital programs that are to be used in care facilities. The first steps in this direction show promising results, but there is still a long way to go to modernize the industry sustainably and to secure the supply.

Further information and details about the nursing campaign are available on the website www.plattform-pflege.de