Nursing training figures on the rise

Saxony reports strong growth in the training of nursing professionals. This year, more than 3,900 women and men have started such training, 15 percent more than in the previous year, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs. This is the strongest annual increase since the introduction of the new generalist nursing profession in 2020.

Köpping: Nursing profession is attractive and crisis-proof

"Our commitment is bearing fruit. I am very pleased about this clear upward trend, because recruiting young nurses is a decisive step towards securing nursing care in Saxony," emphasized Minister of Social Affairs Petra Köpping (SPD). Fortunately, the nursing profession continues to gain in attractiveness. "It is attractive and crisis-proof."

Attractiveness of the profession must be further increased

According to Köpping, however, demographics remain a major challenge. A bundle of measures is needed to counteract staff shortages. In addition to fair pay, these include professional development opportunities and working conditions that enable a better work-life balance.

"Employers in particular need to take action here. Foreign specialists are also a building block for meeting staffing requirements. Many hospitals and funding bodies are already active here in an exemplary manner," emphasized the minister.

According to the ministry, there are currently 9,362 women and men across all training years training to become nurses at one of Saxony's vocational colleges. They complete their practical training in hospitals, nursing homes and outpatient care services.

Number of people in need of care is growing rapidly

The number of people in need of care in Saxony is growing rapidly. Within ten years, their number has more than doubled. This became known in the summer when the Ministry of Social Affairs responded to a minor question in parliament. According to the answer, exactly 149,461 people received benefits from long-term care insurance in 2013, ten years later it was 363,243. That is an increase of 143 percent.