Nursing Professionals Sick More Frequently Than Average Workers, Data Shows
Healthcare Workers, Specifically Nurses, Frequently Experience Illness More Than Employees in Other Industries - Healthcare Professionals in the Nursing Sector Experience Higher Illness Rates Compared to Workers in Other Industries
When it comes to taking time off due to illness, nursing staff in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern may be more prone than employees in other fields. According to Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), nursing staff in the region were absent an average of 32.6 days last year, a figure higher than the national average of 28.5 days.
TK's regional director, Manon Austenat-Wied, explains the gap, stating that nursing professionals face significantly higher absence rates than other professions. Last year, the average absences across all occupations among TK's members stood at 24.6 days.
Promoting Well-being in Nursing Environment
"Nursing work often means a heavy toll on personal health," Austenat-Wied notes. She encourages care providers to cultivate a healthy and supportive work environment to make the profession more appealing. "Skilled nursing staff are vital and irreplaceable in our aging society," she stresses, suggesting existing health promotion programs.
From TK's analysis of 103,000 employed persons insured in the region, it's clear that the work can be grueling, with long hours, high stress, and physical strain making it a high-risk profession for illness.
Current Nursing Staff Shortages
With around 21,000 nursing staff serving more than 1,000 care facilities and institutions in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the demand is ever-growing as the region's elderly population increases. The "Pact for Care" initiative, launched in autumn 2023, aims to keep skilled staff and ensure quality care services in rural areas by addressing staff shortages. Over the years, numerous care facilities have been forced to close due to a lack of staff.
While a detailed study on the issue specific to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern was not found, the demanding nature of nursing work combined with regional workforce challenges in healthcare settings likely contribute to the region's high nursing sickness absence rates.
In light of the high-risk nature of nursing work and the taxing toll it takes on personal health, it's crucial for community policies to prioritize vocational training that emphasizes workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness, including mental health, to ensure nursing professionals are adequately equipped to manage the stressors in their profession. By fostering a supportive work environment that promotes these aspects, we can attract more individuals to nursing, ultimately addressing the current and growing staff shortages in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
