With a ceremonial greeting in Krems, an important new phase of life began for 41 young Vietnamese women: They are the first group of the training program on nursing assistant, which from the International Nursing Center (Inc) – a subsidiary of the IMC University of Applied Sciences for Applied Sciences – in cooperation with the University of Hanoi, the Lower Austrian State Health Agency and the state of Lower Austria.
State Councilor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister personally welcomed the prospective nurses and wished them every success for their training start. The participants had intensively prepared for their stay in Vietnam, in particular through extensive German courses.
A bridge between Vietnam and Lower Austria
In view of the demographic change and the increasing need for nurses, the Lower Austrian health system faces major challenges. With the “International Nursing Center”, an innovative project was created that not only prepares young people from Vietnam linguistically, but also culturally and professionally specifically for a career in the nursing sector in Austria.
“Our cooperation impressively shows how international cooperation can help to overcome pressing challenges. With this project we build a bridge between Vietnam and Lower Austria – a bridge that offers young people a professional perspective and at the same time strengthens our care system sustainably “
emphasizes Ulrike Prommer, managing director of IMC Krems.
A milestone in nursing training
After intensive language training at the University of Hanoi, the trainees are now starting their practical learning program at IMC Krems. The lessons take place on the campus both on the premises in Piaristengasse and in the state -of -the -art Health Labs.
In the one -year training program on nursing assistance, which is held completely in German, the participants acquire well -founded specialist knowledge. The focus is on practical learning: In addition to the theoretical training, they complete internships in the nursing and support facilities of the Lower Austrian State Health Agency (LGA). You already have a binding promise for a professional start -up option after completing your training.
“The motivation and commitment of these young people from Vietnam are impressive. They not only have the desire to work in Austria, but also a remarkable willingness to engage in our language, culture and values. This is a profit for everyone involved “
emphasizes Markus Golla, authorized representative of the INC and head of the Institute for Nursing Science at IMC Krems.
Why Vietnam?
The approach of this project differs fundamentally from conventional recruitment programs: Instead of only recruiting nursing staff from abroad, the participants are comprehensively trained and specifically prepared for the Austrian standards. This model follows the ethical guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN), which emphasize that specialists should be trained sustainably and locally without weakening the health systems of the countries of origin.
“It is a great pleasure for me to welcome the first Vietnamese nursing trainees in Lower Austria today. Your commitment to this important profession and intercultural cooperation are a significant step for the nursing industry and our society. I wish you every success on your way and look forward to the valuable experiences that we will share together “
according to social state councilor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister.
“The Lower Austria LGA is not only a practical partner, but also future employers. We are convinced of the high quality of training at the International Nursing Center and contribute to this through our extensive range of practice. In the next two years we provide internships in long-term and acute care. This ensures that our new colleagues work early in our health facilities – especially in the Weinviertel, Waldviertel and the thermal region regions and get to know their future workplace in practice “
explains the leader of the Lower Austrian LGA Elisabeth Bridegigam.
Future prospects
After successfully completing the apprenticeship, the participants can expect a secure professional future in the nursing and support centers of the Lower Austrian State Health Agency.
“We are dealing with a real win-win situation here: These young people pursue their dream while we win qualified and highly motivated nurses who are urgently needed and fill a gap that we could not close with domestic specialists alone”
sums up Golla.
A success model for the future
The “International Nursing Center” project is a prime example of the power of international educational cooperation. A total of 150 people are to be trained as part of this program. The next group is expected in April 2025, another follows in 2026. In addition, further joint initiatives are already being examined, for example in the area of advanced care practices and prevention.