Advancing Careers: How Austrian Healthcare Employers Can Support Filipino Nurses
More Filipino nurses are choosing Austria for career growth, mirroring a worldwide trend among healthcare workers. The good news is that the country is responding with thousands of vacancies. It even has a scheme thatpays Filipino nurses to study Germanonce they arrive in the country, they expect they’ll work there for several years.
However, aside from providing language classes, it’s equally important for Austrian companies to provide career development opportunities to Filipino nurses. It’s key to keeping and motivating foreign healthcare staff and fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence in patient care.
Now the question remains: how can you support Filipino nurses with their careers? This blog will discuss the vital role Austrian healthcare employers like you play in supporting the career growth of Filipino nurses. We’ll also share how an overseas employment agency in the Philippines can help you with this task.
The Current State of Filipino Nurses in Austria
Through the years, Austria has built a strong relationship with the Philippines, especially in sourcing healthcare workers. Here are some facts you should know:
• Around 35,000 Filipino nurses work in Europe. • There are 5,824 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Austria, 749 of which belong in the health and social services sector.
• As of 2023, Austria is estimated to need up to 75,000 nurses to fill vacancies in its healthcare sector.
• The average starting salary for nurses is between €1,500 to €2,200, or ₱86,000 to ₱120,000, after their training as health care and nursing assistants in Austria.
Typical Challenges OFW Nurses Face in Austria
Filipinos are known for being hardworking and resilient. However, it doesn’t dismiss the fact that working in another country poses challenges, like:
• Cultural change
Adapting to a new culture and workplace environment can be stressful. Filipino nurses often need to adjust to different communication styles, healthcare practices, and professional expectations to blend in.
• Professional recognition
Foreign nursing qualifications might not translate directly to the Austrian system. Filipino nurses may need to undergo additional training or exams to be fully recognized and practice to their full potential.
• Limited social network
While it’s true that there are Filipinos anywhere in the world, it’s still difficult for Filipinos to connect with each other in Austria. The country is not as populated by Filipinos as theUnited Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
For Filipino nurses in Austria, career advancement opportunities are more than just a path to higher salaries and better titles. They play a crucial role in overcoming challenges and fostering a fulfilling career.
• Improves job performance
Continuing education and professional development programs equip Filipino nurses with the latest knowledge and skills specific to the Austrian healthcare system. This empowers them to deliver exceptional patient care, adapt to new technologies and procedures, and become more confident in their practice.
• Updates industry knowledge
For nurses who are new to the Austrian healthcare system, career advancement opportunities like certification programs and mentorship can bridge the gap between their existing skill sets and the specific requirements of Austrian healthcare. This ensures they are up to date on local best practices and regulations.
• Makes nurses adaptable
The healthcare field is constantly evolving. By providing opportunities for continuous learning and skill development, healthcare employers like you can help Filipino nurses adapt to these changes. This adaptability allows them to stay relevant in the job market and explore new areas of specialization within the Austrian healthcare system.
• Expands connections
Mentorship programs and participation in professional development events connect Filipino nurses with experienced Austrian colleagues. This fosters a sense of belonging, opens doors to collaboration, and provides valuable mentorship that can speed up their career growth and integration into global healthcare systems.
Role of Austrian Healthcare Employers
You may wonder: How can you as an employer help Filipino nurses with their career advancement? Here are some tips you can follow.
1. Providing continuing education
If there’s one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic taught us, it’s that healthcare workers are everyday heroes, especially when equipped with the right tools and knowledge to do their jobs. That said, it’s vital for nurses to stay updated on the latest healthcare advancements.
One thing you can do is give financial aid to cover the costs of workshops, seminars, and online courses related to the Austrian medical system. For instance, you can offer a scholarship program specifically for Filipino nurses to attend a yearly conference on advanced cardiac care, a constantly growing area of need in healthcare.
2. Mentorship programs
Assign experienced Austrian nurses to act as mentors for newly graduated or inducted Filipino nurses, offering guidance on navigating workplace dynamics, understanding cultural nuances, and adapting to local healthcare practices.
These mentors can provide regular check-ins, answer questions, and offer career advice specific to the Austrian healthcare landscape. Mentees can learn the nitty gritty of their profession and build a strong relationship with their seniors.
Mentorship can significantly reduce stress and increase job satisfaction for Filipino nurses, leading to higher retention rates and a more cohesive team environment.
3. Pathways for professional development
Investing in career advancement shows Filipino nurses a clear career path within your organization. You can create development plans with opportunities like leadership training programs or participation in research projects. This shows a commitment to growth and motivates nurses to excel.
As Filipino nurses gain experience and qualifications, they can progress to roles like nurse educators, clinical nurse specialists, or even leadership positions within your administration.
4. Support for certification and specialization
Credentials are crucial among healthcare workers, especially nurses. Getting certifications in specific areas shows a nurse’s expertise and commitment to a particular field.
The simplest way you can support this growth is to actively encourage and financially support Filipino nurses in pursuing relevant certifications. It can include covering or reimbursing exam fees, providing study materials, or offering flexible work schedules to accommodate study time.
Not only does it prime your nurses for more challenging work and lucrative opportunities, but it also boosts your employer branding.
Be the Right Support System for your Staff
Empowering Filipino nurses through career advancement opportunities isn’t good for them—it’s good for your organization, too. A skilled and motivated workforce translates to higher patient satisfaction, improved staff retention, and a positive employer brand.
At Staffhouse, we have a proven track record of placing Filipino nurses in optimal positions abroad. Our expertise goes beyond recruitment; We offer ongoing support for Filipino nurses, including guidance on navigating the Austrian healthcare system and accessing professional development opportunities.
Partner with Staffhouse to not only build a strong, diverse nursing team, but also demonstrate your commitment to fostering their long-term success. Together, we can create a win-win situation for Austrian healthcare and Filipino nurses. Explore our current job opportunities to see how we can help you build a resilient and dedicated workforce. By leveraging our extensive network and comprehensive support system, you can ensure that your healthcare facility attracts and retains top-tier talent, enhancing both patient care and organizational growth.
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