A significant shift in the healthcare workforce is underway in Germany, with both patient advocates and the nursing industry acknowledging that care personnel are increasingly transitioning from homes and outpatient care services to hospitals. According to Eugen Brysch, the head of the German Patient Protection Foundation, the unification of training for elderly and nursing staff in 2020 has contributed to this trend, as jobs in hospitals are seen as more attractive due to better pay and working conditions. Brysch emphasizes that nursing homes are struggling to compete in this regard.

While the issue of workforce mobility is pressing, the nursing industry has a slightly different perspective. They attribute the migration of care workers away from homes and outpatient services mainly to poor pay rather than the training system itself. The sector is facing challenges in staffing, and many believe that enhancing salaries and improving working conditions are essential to retaining care professionals in long-term care settings. The discussion is ongoing as various stakeholders seek to address these critical issues affecting the healthcare system.

As the debate continues, the implications are significant, not just for the nursing workforce but for the quality of care provided to patients in both hospital and long-term care settings. Stakeholders must find solutions to ensure that facilities can attract and retain skilled nursing staff, which ultimately impacts patient care and overall healthcare costs. The challenge lies in balancing the needs of all healthcare providers and ensuring that both hospitals and nursing homes can function effectively amidst rising care demands and costs.