Mag.^a Dr.ⁱⁿ phil. Ursula Halbmayr-Kubicsek MSc

Nurses have overall responsibility for the nursing process. Newly graduated nurses can feel overwhelmed by this responsibility, especially when starting their careers. The assignment on learning wards is intended to strengthen the nursing skills and prepare them for a successful career start. Learning wards are selected clinical wards where nursing students assume responsibility for the management, care and support of patients to put into practice the knowledge and skills they have learned during their theoretical training.

There is a large and even growing need for qualified nurses to provide high-quality care for people with dementia in the healthcare system. At the same time, studies show that nursing students have low preferences working in dementia care.

In Austria, as in many other countries, the older population continues to grow. Often elderly people prefer staying in their own homes for as long as they can, and only move into a nursing home at a later stage in their lives or only if need be. However, to respond to this important and understandable request for independence, family members and informal caregivers have to take on challenging responsibilities. Our project aims to support these individuals in home care for elderly people.

In Austria, nursing predominantly takes place at home. Mainly relatives or informal caregivers working for agencies which provide personal assistance are involved. Professional nurses and medical specialists are often contacted at a very late stage. This leaves both family and informal caregivers with a variety of challenges.