Nursing professions in Austria: Your guide to training, tasks and opportunities
Nursing professions are the backbone of the healthcare system in Austria. Healthcare and nursing is not only the largest healthcare sector, but also one of the most diverse and demanding.
In this article by noracares we would like to give you a comprehensive overview of the different Nursing professions in Austria, their training paths, tasks and the challenges they entail. Whether you are considering a career in nursing or are already working in this field, this article will provide you with valuable insights and practical information.
You can also find more information on related topics in our article Care ABC: J for Job.
Nursing professions in Austria: Who is allowed to do what?
The Health and Nursing Care Act (GuKG) forms the basis for the differentiation of nursing professions in Austria. This law stipulates that members of the healthcare and nursing professions must practice their profession conscientiously without distinction of person.
They are obliged to safeguard the well-being and health of people in need of care and to continuously educate themselves about the latest developments in care. If there is a risk of injury or damage to health, nursing staff must not refuse to provide expert assistance.
Healthcare and nursing staff and other nursing professions according to GuKG
The GuKG defines three main groups of nursing professions in Austria:
- Diplomierte Gesundheits- und Krankenpflege (DGKP)
- Nursing Assistant (PFA)
- Nursing Assistant (PA)
Nursing Assistant (PA)
Nursing assistants support the nursing assistant in the implementation of nursing measures. Their tasks include, among other things:
- Support for oral food and fluid intake and drug absorption
- Help with personal hygiene and dressing and undressing
- Assistance with using the toilet and changing incontinence products
- Help with getting up, lying down, sitting down and walking
Nursing assistants are also responsible for documenting all activities carried out and informing their superiors about them. Schools for healthcare and nursing offer the necessary training to work in this field.
More about common Mistakes in home care and how to avoid them, you can find out in our article.
Nursing Assistant (PFA)
The profession of nursing assistant is relatively new and was only introduced in September 2016 with the revision of the GuKG. Nursing assistants have extended competencies compared to nursing assistants. Their tasks include:
- Laying of infusions
- Fitting and commissioning of girdles, orthoses and splints
- Maintaining the patency of inflow and outflow systems and removing peripheral venous accesses
- Placement and removal of feeding tubes via mouth or nose
- Execution of standardized diagnostic programs such as ECG
Nursing assistants are also involved in medical-diagnostic and therapeutic measures. They play a crucial role in the nursing process and are an important part of the nursing team. The training is also completed at schools for healthcare and nursing.
Diploma in Healthcare and Nursing (DGKP)
Diploma-qualified nurses have the highest level of competence within the nursing profession. They are fully involved in medical diagnostics and therapy and may:
- Administering drugs
- Perform therapeutic measures
- To and from systems
- Involved in medical diagnostics and device-assisted monitoring
- Training and guiding PA and PFA
Their work is based on doctors' orders and includes extensive nursing core competencies, which they carry out with knowledge and skills in the fields of internal medicine and psychiatric health and nursing.
Find out more about how nurses can develop their skills through further training in our article Maintenance and further training - Here's what you should know!
Education and training for nurses
The training in the nursing professions is diverse and offers different paths depending on the desired profession. While training to become a nursing assistant usually takes one year, training to become a specialist nursing assistant takes two years. Training to become a qualified healthcare and nursing assistant takes three years and is very comprehensive, both theoretically and practically.
Continuing education is essential in nursing to meet the constantly growing demands. Nurses must continually educate themselves to apply the best nursing practices and stay abreast of the latest medical developments. We report on the challenges and opportunities in nursing training in our article Hurdles in nursing training - What you should know beforehand.
The labor market for nursing professions in Austria
The nursing labour market in Austria is facing major challenges. The demand for qualified nursing staff is constantly increasing, while working conditions and pay are often criticized. How these challenges are overcome will largely determine the future of the nursing profession.
The public sector plays an important role here, particularly in inpatient care and outpatient care services. Many nursing staff are also employed in the public sector.
Our articles Nursing professions 2.0 - A new era begins and Between social spending and Zero deficit - How much can and must the state do for care? provide further insights into these topics.
FAQ section
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Which nursing professions are there in Austria?
In Austria, there are three main nursing professions: nursing assistant (PA), nursing assistant (PFA), and certified health and nursing care (DGKP).
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How long does training to become a nursing assistant take?
The training to become a nursing assistant usually lasts two years.
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How much does a nursing assistant earn in Austria?
The minimum salary according to the collective agreement is EUR 2315.00 gross per month without previous service.
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What further training opportunities are there for nurses?
There are numerous further training opportunities, ranging from special specialist courses to academic degree courses.
Find out more about career prospects and salaries in nursing in our article Make a lot of money in nursing: tips and strategies.
Future perspectives in care
The nursing professions are facing change. With demographic change and the increasing demand for care services, the role of Caregivers are becoming increasingly important in society.
In the future, it will be crucial to find innovative approaches to ensure the quality of care and make the nursing profession more attractive. In our article Innovative approaches to health promotion and prevention in care.
The nursing professions in Austria are diverse and offer numerous opportunities for professional development. Whether you opt for nursing assistance, specialist nursing assistance or qualified healthcare and nursing, nursing offers you a meaningful and fulfilling career. At noracares we are here to provide you with the best information and support for your nursing career.
All the best, your NORA
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