The Vorarlberg state hospitals and the BIFO have launched a special information offensive: As “health ambassadors”, nurses, radiologists and prospective doctors are available directly in the classroom to answer questions about their training and professional life. The declared goal is to arouse interest and enthusiasm for health and care professions among young people.
Together with the BIFO Institute – Advice for Education and Career, the hospitals launched the “Health Ambassadors” pilot project last year. In this function, young adults from various health and care professions go to schools in Vorarlberg to chat about their secrets. Among them are radiology technologists, qualified nurses and doctors in training. They not only provide information about their careers and career opportunities, but above all give personal insights into everyday working life.
Exchange at eye level
The visit of the health ambassadors should offer the students the opportunity to learn everything important about training paths, activities and career opportunities in the health and care sector. And at first hand and at eye level. “In this way, the young people get an authentic impression of the different professional worlds,” reports Dr. Gerald Fleisch and Prim. Peter Fraunberger, Management of the Vorarlberg State Hospitals. “And of course we hope that health and care will then also play a more important role in later study or career choices.”
Because hospitals and long-term care are faced with the enormous challenge of recruiting staff in order to be able to ensure the high quality of care in the long term. According to Dr. Fleisch a bundle of measures: “And with the health ambassadors, an effective measure has now been added to the schools.”
Health ambassadors are in high demand
In any case, there was great interest in the new job information offer: all available dates were fully booked. The health ambassadors were deployed a total of 18 times in the AHS upper grades and in the fourth grades of middle school and AHS lower grades. Each presentation followed by a question and answer session lasted around one and a half hours. After the successful conclusion of the pilot project, a continuation is guaranteed.
Statements health ambassadors
“For many young people it is difficult to imagine the large and extensive field of activity of nursing. The health ambassadors are a great opportunity to redefine the often prevailing image of nursing.”
Philipp Mattle, diploma training, health and nursing school Feldkirch
“Nursing is a job with many opportunities: there is something for everyone. Whether technically, scientifically or socially interested – together for health.
I’m doing the training because there are many opportunities in nursing in which you can realize your potential and you can always face new challenges.”
Daniel Nesensohn Graduated from the Health and Nursing School in Feldkirch
“What I like most about my job as a doctor is working with and for people – in large teams, for our patients. A job in the medical field is diverse, flexible and gives you a lot in return. I would like to tell the students to follow their dreams when choosing a career and not to let them get you down.”
Nora Pardeller, resident doctor, LKH Bludenz
“Radiology technology combines natural sciences and technology with direct human contact. For this reason I would choose my profession again at any time – I work with people for people. Imaging is very important in order to be able to help people.”
Kerstin Nigsch, radiology technologist, LKH Bregenz
Source: Vbg. Hospital-Operations Ltd./Marosi-Kuster
