Help for nursing trainees: Ombudsman office is in high demand

Help for nursing trainees: Ombudsman office is in high demand

The challenges facing nursing trainees are complex, and the newly established ombudsman office shows how seriously this issue is taken. What is particularly striking is the high level of traffic that Ombudsman Annette von Lersner-Wolff has experienced since she started her work on March 1, 2023. Their report suggests that trainees ask for advice and support regularly, sometimes even daily. This situation highlights the great need for information and assistance in nursing training.

The ombudsman's office not only functions as an arbitration board, but is also a safe space in which trainees can raise their problems and concerns on a personal level. “I am very amazed at the openness with which very personal and difficult topics are put on the table,” said von Lersner-Wolff. The focus is often on the absences that can occur during nursing training. These absences often hide individual needs that are triggered by additional private obligations or stress factors.

Importance of the ombudsman office

The ombudsman's office is a neutral, independent and out-of-court contact point that aims to resolve conflicts in nursing training. This was introduced as an important tool to prevent trainees from dropping out of their training due to difficulties. This measure is particularly highlighted by Nursing Senator Ina Czyborra (SPD), who has pointed out the need for support for trainees in times of crisis.

The advisory center not only aims to clarify individual cases, but also to identify and address structural problems. It is essential that young people in the nursing profession are given a voice and are able to discuss problems openly without fear of consequences. The initial discussions are often conducted by telephone and therefore offer an uncomplicated opportunity to get in touch.

• Konflikthilfe: Die Ombudsstelle bietet Unterstützung bei Konflikten in der Ausbildung.
• Fehlzeiten: Ein zentrales Thema sind die Fehlzeiten, die durch private Verpflichtungen bedingt sein können.
• Neutrale Beratung: Die Beratung ist kostenlos und erfolgt unabhängig.

The impact that such support can have on nursing training positions is of great importance. Every day, trainees who are currently in stressful situations could find a solution to their problems through this contact point. Such an offer could potentially reduce dropout rates and help young people successfully complete their training.

A look at the future

Specific figures on the use of the ombudsman office are to be published at the end of March 2025. These could provide valuable insights into the most common problems and the actual support needs of trainees. Collecting this data is critical to enabling long-term improvements in the nursing education system. By carefully analyzing the topics and needs raised by trainees, targeted measures can be taken to sustainably improve the training situation.

It remains to be hoped that the ombudsman's office will continue to be recognized as a valuable instrument that provides support for many nursing trainees in times of crisis. The opportunity to talk openly about problems and receive professional advice could be crucial to keeping the nursing profession attractive for future generations.

The ombudsman's office for nursing trainees was created to offer young professionals in training a space in which they can address conflicts and find solutions. The initiative comes at a time when the care industry is facing enormous challenges. Demographic developments and the increasing shortage of skilled workers make the training and integration of new nursing staff all the more important. The ombudsman's office therefore has a crucial role in supporting the trainees in their learning process.

A central aspect of the ombudsman's office is the opportunity to address structural problems within the training. This could, for example, concern the training of new teachers or the organization of practical training positions. Through dialogue with trainees, important insights can be gained that can help improve training conditions. In the long term, this could not only increase the satisfaction of trainees, but also lead to fewer dropouts from training.

The role of the ombudswoman and her experiences

Annette von Lersner-Wolff, the ombudsman, emphasizes the importance of anonymity in consultations. Many trainees are afraid to share their concerns openly for fear of negative consequences in their training. The ombudsman's office provides the necessary basis of trust to openly discuss even sensitive issues. This openness shows a growing awareness of the need to discuss training paths and not make problems taboo.

The arbitration board has already achieved initial success by resolving conflicts between trainees and trainers. The aim is to find an amicable solution that is fair to both sides. It turns out that many trainees make use of the advisory services to obtain information and support, which underlines the relevance of the ombudsman's office.

Political and social contextualization

The establishment of the ombudsman falls within a larger political framework in which improving working conditions in the nursing sector is being intensively discussed. The nursing profession is under increased social pressure, also in view of the debates about fair pay and recognition of the work of nursing staff. Initiatives such as the ombudsman's office are part of an overall approach to increasing the attractiveness of nursing training and ensuring that future specialists are adequately supported.

In addition, society's appreciation for professions in the health and care sector is increasingly being reflected. In order to provide the necessary support for the new generations of carers, such measures are essential to overcome the challenges facing the industry. The ombudsman's office plays a pioneering role and could serve as a model for similar initiatives in other professions. In this sense, it is expected that further programs will be developed to support trainees in various areas in order to promote and secure their training path.