Barmer calls for more tailwind for the nursing profession

Training not at the expense of those in need of care

"Care should become so attractive that young people choose it as a meaningful profession and experienced professionals return to it. To achieve this, we need good working, training and further training conditions as well as the rapid integration of international nursing staff," explained Claudia Beutmann, Managing Director of Barmer in Saxony. However, none of this should be at the expense of those in need of care.

Barmer attests to the stability of the care sector in Saxony. Despite a declining workforce, statistics show that around 6,000 new jobs were created in the health and social care sector alone in 2025. The attractiveness of the nursing profession has increased. However, the financing of training remains critical. People in need of care in Saxony currently have to pay up to 136 euros per month through their own contributions.

The health insurance company called for an end to this burden. Training is a public service and therefore the responsibility of the federal and state governments and not of those in need of care and those paying contributions. The generalist nursing training and the Collective Bargaining Act have ensured higher quality training and better pay since 2020, it said. Since this year, for example, specialists have been allowed to provide certain medical services independently for the first time.