“The heart and soul task”
As a nurse, Jenny Elvers was particularly affected by this
Jenny Elvers experienced everyday life as a caregiver up close.
© SAT.1 / André Kowalski
Jenny Elvers completed a nursing internship for the TV format “Die Herzblut-Task”. In an interview, she tells us what she experienced.
Jenny Elvers (49) is doing a nursing internship at Helios Klinikum Berlin with comedy star Faisal Kawusi (30), singer Patrick Lindner (61), actor Wayne Carpendale (44) and “Let’s Dance” judge Jorge González (54) – Book completed. The five-part Sat.1 report series “The Heartbeat Task – Celebrities in Care” (October 18, 8:15 pm) shows how celebrities have found their way in everyday care. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Elvers explains what attracted her to the task, how the collaboration with the hospital staff went and what pushed her emotionally to her limits.
Why did you decide to experience the nursing profession up close for four weeks in the hospital?
Jenny Elvers: As an actress I often played nurses, for example in “Nikola” or “Friends for Life”. I was also a veterinarian for a long time – in the series “Veterinarian Dr. Mertens”. But apart from that, I’ve had fewer points of contact with the nursing profession and was therefore all the more excited about my new role in the hospital.
You already hinted on Instagram that you faced death at the very beginning of your shift …
Elvers: I am physically very resilient. Long days, getting up early, on my feet all day – I don’t mind. I had successfully suppressed the fact that death also has a permanent room in a maternity ward. Until the first shift started.
Was the work on the obstetrics ward particularly touching you?
Elvers: The whole subject of pregnancy and childbirth will never lose its fascination. As a mom you know the worries, questions and needs of the other mothers. I haven’t forgotten how to change diapers either.
Which moment do you particularly remember?
Elvers: A baby that was only a few hours old had to go through drug withdrawal first. That was terrible! The youth welfare office sent a social worker to the family. It has been going on for years – nothing has changed. Letting the baby go after a few days hurt.
Was it weird for you to submit to an internship role?
Elvers: No, not at all. I would never presume to equate myself with a trained nurse.
Did you have any idea what the nursing profession is like?
Elvers: I expected physically and mentally strenuous work. That also happened. Emotionally it pushed me to my limits, and humanely it took me a little further.
What is your imagination now?
Elvers: I would like to show young people that the job of caregiver is a very special job that demands a lot – but also gives a lot!
What was the hardest task for you?
Elvers: Working in the intensive care unit in particular was not always easy. For example, what do you say to a new mother of twins when one baby is alive and the other is dead? ‘Congratulations and my sincere condolences’ in one sentence? The station requires a lot of sensitivity when dealing with the babies, but also with the stories around them.
Were there only positive reactions to the celebrity guests in the hospital or were they ridiculed?
Elvers: My mentor Sandra is the ward manager in obstetrics and has worked in the care sector for many years. She patiently taught me everything with a lot of heart and expertise. Working with her was very inspiring for me. Even now – after the shooting of the “Herzblut-Task” – we are still in contact.
How were the corona conditions in the hospital?
Elvers: I am vaccinated, PCR test twice a week, rapid test every morning. We also had to wear FFP2 masks – from entering the clinic to leaving.
Was there anything you could take away from the experience for your own life?
Elvers: Humility and gratitude for every single day my child is happy and healthy. But I knew beforehand that health is one of the most important things in life.
The care profession has recently received more and more media attention. What is your impression of what needs to be changed urgently in your job?
Elvers: The nursing profession must be made more attractive – starting with the payment.