Nursing Pros More Prone to Illness Than Workers in Other Fields, Study Finds
Healthcare workers experiences higher illness rates contrasted to employees in other industries. - Healthcare Professionals in Nursing Sector More Prone to Health Issues Compared to Workers in Other Industries
In a surprising turn of events, the strain faced by nursing professionals has led to a significantly higher sickness rate compared to employees in other professions. According a study conducted by the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, nursing staff were absent an average of 32.6 days last year - a rate much higher than the national average of 28.5 days.
"The continued absence of nursing staff has outpaced that of other professions," admitted TK regional director Manon Austenat-Wied. Based on the sick leave records of TK’s insured across all professions, the average absence across all industries stood at 24.6 days last year.
The TK’s appeal to care providers lies in creating a health-conscious and supportive work environment, thereby amping up the attractiveness of the profession. "Our country’s nursing professionals tirelessly carry out extraordinary tasks, often at the cost of their own health," Austenat-Wied points out, stressing the indispensable role of nursing staff in society, especially given the aging population.
The study was based on the evaluation of sickness certificates of approximately 103,000 employed individuals insured with the TK in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. With over 224,000 insured members, TK is one of the major statutory health insurers in the region.
The shortage of nursing staff is already a known issue, with around 21,000 nurses working across more than 1,000 long-term care facilities and services in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The number of individuals requiring care exceeds 120,000, and is projected to rise. The state-initiated "Pact for Care" in 2023 aims to address this issue by helping retain skilled staff and ensuring care offerings, particularly in rural areas. In the past, care facilities have had to close due to staff shortages.
The Culprits Behind the High Sickness Rate for Nursing Staff:
- Physical and Mental Stress: The high demands of nursing work often lead to physical and mental exhaustion.
- Exposure to Infectious Diseases: Nurses are frequently exposed to a broad range of infectious diseases.
- Emotional Demands: Caring for patients can take a substantial emotional toll, increasing the risk of burnout.
Improving the Work Environment for Nursing Staff:
To create a healthier work environment for nursing staff, consider implementing the following measures:
- Workload Management: Adopt flexible scheduling and maintain staffing levels to alleviate stress.
- Wellness Programs: Introduce stress management workshops, counseling services, and fitness classes.
- Professional Development and Support: Offer training programs to improve resilience and foster peer support groups.
- Safety Measures: Implement stringent infection control measures and use ergonomic equipment to minimize physical strain.
While these measures are advantageous in theory, specific data on their application in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is yet to be found in available sources.
Community policy could potentially incorporate vocational training programs focusing on workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness, aiming to alleviate the high mental-health strain and illness rates experienced by nursing professionals. Vocational training, specifically in stress management and resilience, could be an essential component of such a policy, addressing the physical and mental stress, emotional demands, and burnout often faced by nursing staff.
