It doesn't feel like work

At HAK, he chose to specialise in controlling and nobody in his family has anything to do with the healthcare sector. As with many young men, his community service with the Red Cross led to the realisation: "I noticed in the courses at the Red Cross in Oberpullendorf that I was really interested in the topics and that I found it much easier to learn than at school." The services with the emergency doctors and paramedics also left an impression on Philipp.

"I realised that I was really interested and then met a volunteer at the Red Cross who was already studying for a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare and Nursing at the FH Burgenland in Pinkafeld. He introduced me to the UAS and I enrolled." Philipp has now almost completed his degree. He has remained loyal to the Red Cross ever since.

"I haven't regretted my decision to pursue my career. I really like it and I'm already looking forward to finally being able to start working full-time after graduation." During his studies, he completed internships in various areas. He was particularly fascinated by the intensive care unit. What do you need to bring with you as a healthcare and nursing professional?

Philipp Hütter was one of the first students to benefit from the employment model* during his studies. "It's quite an incentive," he says. "We have to do the internships as part of our studies anyway, so I don't have to rely solely on financial support from my parents."

His highlights from the programme: "We practised a lot of practical things in small groups, and the external lecturers from the field - especially the variety of lecturers - was great. Another thing I really appreciated was that the programme places a lot of emphasis on communication."

Communicating and educating people about his chosen career path is important to the young man: "I think there is still a lot of ignorance in society about the nursing profession. But when I tell people what skills are needed - including in the intensive care sector, etc. - they have a big 'aha' moment." For him personally, it was important to do something meaningful professionally. He knows from his internships that he made the right choice. "Even after a 12-hour shift, I'm not tired. It doesn't feel like work to me. Watching the patients' healing process fulfils me - it's a great feeling."

*Since autumn 2022, healthcare and nursing students in Austria have received 600 euros net 12 times a year. Students at FH Burgenland also have the opportunity to be employed by healthcare organisations in Burgenland during their studies and thus be fully insured for three years. The province of Burgenland supports the prospective nursing staff 14 times a year with an additional 600 euros gross. Those who opt for this option undertake to remain working in Burgenland after completing their studies - at least for the number of years for which they have received the financial subsidy.