There is a shortage of nurses throughout Germany. In order to ensure sufficient nursing care, it will be important now and in the future to recruit qualified nurses and keep them in the profession in the long term. But what about the job satisfaction of nurses? What keeps them in the profession? What could motivate them to return after a break? A study initiated by the Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Nursing Professionals is now providing trend-setting results - for Schleswig-Holstein, but also for Germany as a whole.
The nursing shortage in Germany is a much-discussed topic - and not just since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Numerous studies confirm that a shortage of nursing staff not only jeopardizes care, but also the safety of patients, residents and clients. It is therefore a particular concern of politicians and all stakeholders in the healthcare sector to develop strategies to attract and retain nurses and ensure that they stay in the profession.
Study sheds light on current job satisfaction among nurses in Schleswig-Holstein
The Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Nursing Professions initiated the research project "Career retention and re-entry of nurses in Schleswig-Holstein", which was partially funded by the Ministry of Social Affairs. The final report of the online survey on the job satisfaction and career retention of nurses is now available. Around 2,500 people took part and 1,883 data records were analyzed. The study participants are on average around 45 years old, they have an average of 23 years of professional experience in nursing, 77% are women.
The evaluation of the data shows a predominant satisfaction with the nursing work, team colleagues and direct superiors. The majority of nurses like their job and enjoy providing professional nursing care. However, the nurses surveyed are rather dissatisfied with their working conditions, their salary and the organization and management of the facilities in which they work. Neither the length of employment nor the scope of employment had any influence on the level of job satisfaction.
In the online survey, a surprisingly high number of participants used the optional free text fields - together with the detail of the entries, this is an indicator of a high need for information among nursing professionals. In many cases, there are indications that the pressure of suffering under the current working conditions, the threat to health, the strained professional ethos combined with the lack of appreciation are the decisive factors. The monetary remuneration is seen as too low and the opportunities for professional development do not meet the wishes of the participants. Some are even considering leaving the nursing profession.
The "hidden reserve" is repeatedly discussed in political circles. In addition to returning to work, this means increasing the number of part-time nursing staff. The majority of participating part-time employees are opposed to such an increase in their working hours, while the others could only imagine this in conjunction with a significant improvement in working conditions.
High level of suffering among nursing staff reveals urgent need for action
For the first time, the study provides a reliable data basis for Schleswig-Holstein and creates transparency about what currently concerns nursing staff. "The study reveals both hopeful potential and frightening scenarios," summarizes study director Andrea Kuhn from the Health Research Network. "Nursing professionals told us in the survey that they are considering leaving the nursing profession and advising young people against training as a nurse. Even if this is understandable in individual cases, it is a dangerous development." After all, a lack of young talent means a greater burden for those in the profession. "Particularly in light of the fact that around 40 percent of nurses will retire in the next ten to twelve years, it is clear how urgent the need for action is. The study is a warning signal for everyone involved," says Kuhn.
At the same time, the study shows that the nursing profession itself is enjoyable. Direct contact with people in need of care generates high levels of satisfaction among nursing staff. "The study offers us important levers - e.g. working conditions and pay - to promote the retention of nursing staff and avert the threat of highly qualified and experienced nursing staff leaving the profession prematurely," Kuhn is convinced: "The results of the study can serve as a foundation stone for the development of sustainable concepts that promote the re-entry of nursing staff and an increase in working hours and, above all, ensure that they remain in the nursing profession in the long term."
According to Kuhn, the results are relevant beyond Schleswig-Holstein and can also be transferred to other federal states. The dissatisfaction with working conditions and salaries articulated in the study once again emphasizes the urgency of improving the framework conditions for nursing. "The social appreciation of the profession is central. The responsibility of the nursing profession must also be expressed in nationwide collective agreements. In addition, the procedure impressively proves that nursing chambers in Germany, as professional organizations, do have an influence on improving the situation in the nursing profession at state and federal level," emphasizes Kuhn.
Further information on the study can be found at: https://forschungsnetzwerk-gesundheit.hwg-lu.de/forschung/berufsverbleib-und-wiedereinstieg-von-pflegefachpersonen
Further information on the Health Research Network can be found at https://forschungsnetzwerk-gesundheit.hwg-lu.de/
Specialist contact:
Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society
Health Research Network
Andrea Kuhn - Project Manager
E-mail: andrea.kuhn@ 8< SPAM protection, please remove >8 hwg-lu.de
Phone: +49 621 5203 244
