Working conditions in the care sector

Early departures from the nursing profession could be prevented by improving working conditions. This is the conclusion of a study conducted by the ZHAW, which examined the professional careers of nurses. Three times in a row, around 600 nursing graduates from universities of applied sciences and universities of applied sciences who graduated from a university of applied sciences or a university of applied sciences in 2011/12 were surveyed.

High career exit rate

According to the survey, nine out of ten nurses could imagine continuing to work in the profession even after six years, provided working conditions were improved. However, the exit rate for nurses under the age of 35 is strikingly high at around one-third. The Swiss Health Observatory reports on the latter. The conditions are above all too stressful and contradict the central needs of nursing professionals, the study continues.

More pay and more transparency in management

For example, work, private and family life are not in harmony. Nursing staff are also concerned about the discrepancies between expectations and reality, for example in terms of pay or the possibility of realizing one's own potential in the profession. Nearly 90 percent cited better pay as a reason for more recognition of professional discipline. In a recent 2018/19 survey, 55 percent of nurses said they often feel tired and tense during work because of job-related stresses.

In terms of suggestions for better working conditions, more low-percentage part-time work models were mentioned as possible options, as well as more suitable childcare options. With regard to more support from management, participants suggested more transparent communication and higher visibility of management functions.

Source: ZHAW