Salzburg nursing graduates struggle to find hospital jobs

Freshly trained nursing staff in Salzburg are struggling to find jobs in hospitals, ORF’s Salzburg news site reports, despite years of political calls for more people to enter the profession.

About 80 women and men have so far completed the three-year nursing programme at the University of Applied Sciences in Puch, in the Tennengau district, or at Schwarzach Hospital in the Pongau district. Around three quarters currently have no job.

Many want to work in hospitals. Nursing student Jonas Irnberger described the situation as disappointing for graduates who had expected to find employment after completing their training.

Daniela Gutschi, the Salzburg state councillor responsible for health and a member of the Austrian People’s Party, said the shortage of nursing staff had been resolved. The state had invested heavily, made the profession more attractive and reduced staff turnover at its hospitals, she said, adding that they were still hiring.

However, new hospital positions are currently being offered only to replace staff on parental leave, long-term sick leave, after resignations or following retirements. Wolfgang Fürweger, the state councillor responsible for social affairs and a member of the Freedom Party, said hospital staffing plans were full, while there were many jobs outside hospitals.

Most graduates with bachelor’s degrees do not want to work in long-term care. Student Daniel Valon said he could not see himself working in a nursing home except as a temporary solution, which he said would not be good for either the home or the labour market.

Irnberger said it would be unfortunate if graduates left the profession after completing three years of training because they could not find jobs. Talks between students and the state government are now planned.