Pinkafeld, 24 October 2023 - Nursing homes are not only the centre of life for residents, nursing and administrative staff also spend a large part of their time in these facilities. The ‘WERTSCHÄTZUNG Mensch’ research project by Burgenland University of Applied Sciences and Research aims to strengthen the health resources of residents, relatives AND employees. The project is also a learning environment for future staff. Eleven students on the Bachelor's degree course in Health Management and Health Promotion took the opportunity to get a taste of everyday working life in care facilities and looked over the shoulders of staff at the Pinkafeld and Oberwart social welfare centres. The aim was to get to know the processes in the kitchen, care, cleaning and administration departments - also with a view to the fact that the dedicated students have the opportunity to complete the EDE care home manager training programme during their studies.
Care as interaction work
‘In the project, we attach great importance to the development and promotion of the corporate culture in the direction of employee appreciation. The project should also be seen as an opportunity to improve working conditions in the care sector,’ explains project manager Magdalena Thaller-Schneider from Forschung Burgenland. During their visits to Pinkafeld and Oberwart, the students also conducted interviews with employees from all areas to determine the status quo and potential for improvement. At the end of the project, the findings will be discussed with relevant stakeholders in Burgenland with the help of a transfer group and transferred to other residential and nursing homes for the elderly. The project is funded by the Health Promotion Agenda and the Healthy Austria Fund and will run until 2025.
Everyone pulls together here
A unique feature of the degree programme at FH Burgenland is the opportunity for students to complete the EDE care home manager training as part of their studies. ‘The care sector is diverse and qualified staff - including in administration - are in high demand,’ explains Thaller-Schneider. ‘Our students are happy to take up the offer to prepare for a career in this field.’
The visit to the care home left an impression on the young students:
‘As part of the care home manager training programme, I had the opportunity to take part in excursions to retirement and nursing homes, which gave me the impression that all employees in the various departments pull together to promote the quality of life of the residents and create a good working atmosphere for everyone involved.’
‘All the departments gave me a good insight into the practical side of things. I can now imagine what tasks are involved in being an administrative employee.’
‘The well-being of the residents is the top priority, which became very clear during our visit. My impression is that all departments have the same importance and that communication takes place at eye level, which in turn has a positive effect on the residents.’
Here is the link to the PRESS RELEASE.
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Further enquiry:
Mag.a Christiane Staab
Marketing & Communication
Fachhochschule Burgenland GmbH
Tel: +43 (0)5 7705 3537
E-Mail: christiane.staab@fh-burgenland.at
