Nursing crisis
4 out of 10 nurses go to work sick
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According to a recent study, the phenomenon of going to work despite illness appears to be widespread in German nursing professions. This behavior is particularly noticeable among long-term employees in the industry.
Presenteeism behavior is widespread
A behavior called presenteeism – the need for employees to be present at work under all circumstances. The reasons for this pronounced presenteeism behavior are varied. The respondents stated that there was often no representation, that they did not want to be a burden on their colleagues and that they also observed that managers came to work sick.
The study also sheds light on the impact of this situation. About a third of nurses are thinking about leaving the profession. This feeling is particularly pronounced among younger nursing staff up to the age of 29. The main reasons given for wanting to change careers are high workloads and economic constraints.
Employee satisfaction still improved
It is interesting that despite the difficult conditions, 60 percent of nursing staff are satisfied or very satisfied with their professional prospects. This value has improved significantly since the lockdown in 2022, when it was 36 percent.
Dramatic development highlights the need for action
However, physical and emotional exhaustion among nurses is a serious problem. 62 percent of those surveyed regularly feel physically exhausted and 52 percent report regular emotional exhaustion. These values have deteriorated dramatically since the corona pandemic – before the pandemic they were around 43 percent and 34 percent respectively.
“Nursing study shows once again that many nurses are working at their limits”
Christoph Straub, CEO of Barmer, emphasizes to “Welt” the need not to overload skilled workers and calls for more relief in nursing: “The nursing study shows once again that many nursing staff are working at their limits. Due to constant exhaustion and stress, they have a clear higher risk of suffering burnout than employees in other industries.” Among other things, he sees needs-based staffing as a key to relief. The study thus impressively underlines the challenges facing the care industry and the need to address these with appropriate measures.
Sources used: welt.de, aerztezeitung.de, barmer.de