What prompted three women who had established themselves in life to go into nursing, of all things, as a result of the corona pandemic? We spoke to them - and are very impressed.
Erding – During Corona, care got the most out of it. The applause from the population was followed by little or nothing. The pandemic was the turning point for many in the industry: clinics and homes are losing staff or recording high levels of sickness. It was precisely at this time that Verena Steidler, Marie Huber and Anja Fischer decided to learn the profession of nursing in Erding. Even though they were successful in other professions. Why are they doing this to themselves? We need to talk!
We didn't even have to convince the 22, 39 and 44 year old women of that. Because they have a message: Yes, care is stressful, but also fulfilling. And if everyone complains, it certainly won't get any better, especially since more and more people are dependent on help. And: Nursing training can be the stepping stone to many careers.
Verena Steidler is 39 years old, lives in Taufkirchen and has two children, nine and twelve years old. She learned to be a hairdresser. The Corona lockdown hit Steidler with full force - she was completely slowed down. “I always wanted a social career,” she remembers. “My husband works in the intensive care unit at the hospital.” He persuaded her. As one of the few. “I felt a lot of headwind, family and friends asked me why I was doing this.” And she admits: “I don't know if I would have been able to withstand the pressure at 17, probably not.” Especially since not every carer is nice deal with young professionals. “I don't understand it, we are tomorrow's reinforcements.” Now she and 18 colleagues are in their second year of training at the Training Center for Health Professions. She is currently working in the neonatal ward.
“There's no question that not everything is pink in nursing, there are bad days too. But if everyone just complains and talks bad about everything, then it won't work. More and more people need care. It will affect every one of us.”
The 39-year-old can even find positive things about shift work: “We also have time off during the week and can use the time for ourselves, especially when my husband is also off.” Some people are jealous.
Marie Huber trained as an architectural draftsman, but the office and site visits soon became too crowded for her. She had previously laid the foundation for training to become a nursing specialist - during a voluntary social year (FSJ) at the Erdinger Clinic. She was drawn back there: The Eittinger is also in her second year of training - she is currently employed in the psychiatric ward in Dorfen - and has had wonderful experiences: "The vast majority of patients are grateful that we are there for them. You get so much in return, which is fulfilling despite all the stress.”
And: You can also use the knowledge you learn here in everyday life, for example if someone in the family is sick. Steidler also appreciates the nice feedback and the feeling of being needed. They even consider it an honor to be “there for the generations that laid the foundation for our prosperity,” say those who work at the clinic.
Huber believes that compulsory social service should be reintroduced in Germany, “because then many more young people would find out what great opportunities social professions offer.” Of her 27-member FSJ class, five then studied medicine and seven began nursing training. She is convinced that this is the best way to address the shortage.
Anja Fischer from Wartenberg - her employer is the Wartenberg Clinic - trained as a beautician and hairdresser, "not least because I was a year too young for nursing training after school," remembers the now 44-year-old. Curious: Two of her three children are currently also undergoing nursing training. Isn't that funny? “It’s actually fitting, because we support each other and sometimes learn from each other,” says Fischer with a smile.
She is a powerhouse: The single mother also works as a chiropodist and beautician, “otherwise we wouldn’t be able to make ends meet.” She is currently working at St. Nicholas School, “where I really like it.” Before that, Fischer worked as a nursing assistant in palliative care for one and a half years. Her heart beats for her: “We are not a team, we are a family. That’s motivating.”
She can only recommend taking up the nursing profession. “Most people don’t even know what variety generalist training offers – until they get to university.”
All three are aware that the pay is moderate and the workload is often high. And yet they don’t want to complain – “because that will only make it worse,” says Steidler. On the contrary. You, Huber and Fischer have recognized that your job is a calling. As latecomers, they would never have regretted the unusual decision. ham