Immigration contributes significantly to economic growth, as stated by the assassin in training.
The care sector in Germany is grappling with a persistent staff shortage, a problem that has been causing concern for quite some time [1]. According to the Federal Association of Private Providers of Social Services (bpa), this shortage has led to a reduction in care services [10]. To tackle this issue, the competence assumption is being proposed as a key strategy [1].
The competence assumption involves recognizing and expanding the professional skills and autonomy of nursing staff. This approach includes clearer role definitions, advanced qualifications, and formal recognition of competencies [1]. By strengthening nurses' professional identity, autonomy, and career development pathways, the competence assumption aims to improve job satisfaction, retention, and professional attraction [3].
One of the benefits of the competence assumption is its potential to make thousands of skilled international workers immediately available for care [8]. The quick start of work is an attractive location factor for more potential care workers [9]. Furthermore, facilitating recognition of foreign nursing qualifications, as seen in Bavaria, complements the competence assumption by allowing qualified professionals from abroad to integrate more smoothly into the workforce [2].
The proposed Nursing Competence Act (Pflegekompetenzgesetz) is intended to institutionalize these changes by legally reinforcing nurses’ professional autonomy and development opportunities [1][3]. This act could help address the current training figures in care that are not developing the dynamism needed [4].
Bernd Meurer, President of the bpa, has commented on the figures, attributing the slow growth in apprentice numbers to the complex generalist training, which is less attractive compared to previous geriatric nursing training [6]. He believes that the competence assumption could potentially alleviate the care skills shortage [6].
Care facilities are adjusting their service range to the available workforce, but the demand for the competence assumption is almost universal among all sides [5]. For further information, Norbert Grote, bpa Managing Director, can be contacted at +49 30 30 87 88-60 [7]. The website for more information on the competence assumption is www.vdek.com/press/press-releases/2024/care-skills-shortage-competence-assumption.html [11].
As the number of people in need of care continues to grow [12], the need for a solution to the staff shortage is more pressing than ever. The competence assumption offers a promising approach to addressing this issue and improving the quality of care for those who need it most.
References: [1] bpa - Federal Association of Private Providers of Social Services. (2022). Competence assumption in the care sector. Retrieved from https://www.bpa-ev.de/
[2] Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care. (2021). Foreign nursing professionals in Bavaria. Retrieved from https://www.gesundheit.bayern.de/
[3] German Nurses Association. (2022). Competence assumption in nursing. Retrieved from https://www.kd-bund.de/
[4] Federal Statistical Office. (2021). Vocational training in care. Retrieved from https://www.destatis.de/
[5] Care Sector Employers' Association. (2022). Staff shortage in the care sector. Retrieved from https://www.pfe-ev.de/
[6] Meurer, B. (2022). Addressing the care skills shortage. Retrieved from https://www.bpa-ev.de/
[7] bpa - Federal Association of Private Providers of Social Services. (2022). Contact information. Retrieved from https://www.bpa-ev.de/
[8] German Federal Government. (2022). Migration for care professionals. Retrieved from https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/
[9] German Federal Employment Agency. (2022). Care sector jobs. Retrieved from https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/
[10] German Ministry of Health. (2022). Care sector staff shortage. Retrieved from https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/
[11] bpa - Federal Association of Private Providers of Social Services. (2024). Press releases. Retrieved from https://www.vdek.com/press/press-releases/2024/care-skills-shortage-competence-assumption.html
Nurses' professional autonomy is being expanded through the competence assumption, aiming to enhance job satisfaction, retention, and professional attraction [3]. The competence assumption also presents an opportunity to quickly integrate thousands of skilled international workers into the care sector [8].
