Florian, 22, talks about his path into nursing care
Insights into health and nursing studies. For anyone interested in a career in nursing: An insight into the everyday life of a nursing student. Florian talks about his study of healthcare and nursing, his plans for the future and the Challenges of the profession.
Why study health and nursing?
Are you looking for a degree program that not only offers an academic education, but also gives you the opportunity to help people at crucial moments in their lives? Studying healthcare and nursing could be just the right path for you.
In this practice-oriented Bachelor's degree program, you will not only acquire in-depth knowledge in areas such as nursing science, medicine and health policy, but also gain valuable practical experience that will optimally prepare you for your future role as a healthcare and nursing professional.
Florian's path to nursing
What did you want to be as a child?
Florian:As a child, I didn't have any specific career aspirations. I only started thinking about my future when I was at grammar school. Journalism was an option, but I didn't have classic childhood dream jobs like firefighter or policeman.
How did you get the idea to study health and nursing?
Florian: That came during my civilian service. I originally wanted to study physiotherapy, but after failing the admissions process twice, I changed my mind. I then realized that nursing is an incredibly important and underestimated career field.
What experiences have you had in your civilian service?
Florian:I was at the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund in Linz and had contact with carers in various areas - from hospitals to nursing homes. There I realized that I am good with older people and that I am very interested in medical and health matters.
The study of health care and nursing
How is the course structured?
Florian:The Bachelor's degree course lasts three years and is a generalist course. This means that we acquire basic skills in all areas of nursing. After graduating, you can specialize further in areas such as intensive care or psychiatry.
How much practice is there in your studies?
Florian: Around 51% of the degree course consists of internships. There are restrictions, especially at the beginning, but over time we become increasingly free in our choice of internships.
What internships have you done so far?
Florian: Among other things, I have worked in ear, nose and throat medicine, on an admission ward and soon in the stroke ward at the Neuromedcampus. Each internship helps me to further narrow down my interests.
Which specialization interests you the most?
Florian: The intensive area. Here, not only technical but also emotional and mental skills are required. The next semester will show whether this is really my direction.
Challenges and special moments
What do you particularly enjoy about studying?
Florian: The practical relevance. There is hardly a degree program in which more than half of the time consists of practical assignments. In addition, the exchange with colleagues and the support from lecturers are very valuable.
Remember your first patient contact?
Florian: Yes, it was a very special moment. I had a lot of respect for it at first, but you grow with the tasks over time.
Is there a moment you'll never forget?
Florian: Yes, in the 4th semester I had a young patient. I had a young patient in the fourth semester whose blood values indicated a serious cancer diagnosis. At that moment, you realize that nursing is not just theory - it's about real people and real fates.
Future prospects in healthcare and nursing
What are your plans after graduation?
Florian: I would like to do an internship abroad, maybe in Scandinavia. After that, I would like to specialize in intensive care in Austria.
Why did you decide to go into nursing as a man?
Florian: I think it's a shame that this is even an issue. Nursing should not be a gender-specific profession. Men bring an important perspective to the team, and diversity is very valuable in healthcare.
How do you see the future of care?
Florian: The reform of Nursing education was an important step. But more education about career opportunities and more economic incentives are needed to counteract the staff shortage. I am curious to see whether the appreciation of nursing after the Corona pandemic.
Florian gives us valuable insights into the everyday life of a nursing student. His journey shows how exciting and varied the nursing profession is and the challenges and opportunities it brings.
The healthcare and nursing degree program not only offers a secure and versatile profession, but also an opportunity to make a real difference. Whether in Austria or internationally - nursing is a future-proof industry with many career opportunities.
If you are interested in this profession, find out about the different colleges and application processes. The journey into healthcare and nursing may be challenging, but it is one of the most rewarding you can choose.
- Generalist education - An education that covers different areas of nursing without immediately committing to a specialization.
- Intensive Care - A specialized area of nursing that focuses on the care of critically ill patients.
- Rehabilitation Center - A medical facility where patients are mobilized again after serious illnesses or operations.
- Bachelor of Science in Health Studies (BSc) - The academic degree awarded to graduates of health and nursing studies.
- Ambulatory Service - Care that is provided directly at the patient's home instead of in an inpatient facility.
