The shortage of skilled nursing staff is no longer a secret. Many healthcare facilities in Germany and other European countries are increasingly dependent on the support of nursing staff from abroad. Especially in highly specialized areas such as intensive care, well-trained specialists are essential. Against this background, the 4th International and 10th National Intensive Care Congress, which will take place from December 5 to 8, 2024 at the Kremlin Palace Hotel in Antalya, is particularly relevant. This congress not only offers space for professional exchange, but also focuses on the role of foreign nursing staff.
The challenges of the international demand for skilled workers
The demand for qualified intensive care staff is constantly growing. Age-related retirements, rising patient numbers and higher standards of care require more staff, who are not always available in their own country. This is where foreign nursing staff come into play. In addition to their professional expertise, they often bring with them valuable intercultural experience that promotes patient-oriented, holistic care. Nevertheless, there are challenges: Language barriers, different training systems and cultural differences must be overcome in order to ensure smooth integration into existing teams and processes.
The Intensive Care Congress in Antalya: a melting pot of knowledge
The Intensive Care Congress in Antalya brings together experts from different countries and continents. Nurses, doctors, therapists, scientists and representatives of healthcare management come together here to discuss the latest findings, best practices and forward-looking concepts. The choice of venue – the Kremlin Palace Hotel in Antalya – is no coincidence: the Turkish Riviera has been known for international medical events for years and, thanks to its location between Europe and Asia, offers an ideal setting for the exchange of different cultures and perspectives. The program includes workshops, lectures and panel discussions on a variety of topics. From new ventilation technologies and innovative treatment methods in intensive care to questions of nursing ethics and strategies for recruiting staff – the range is broad. This year’s focus is on the role of foreign nursing staff, their qualifications, integration and the associated challenges.
Qualification and integration: focus on success factors
One of the most important aspects of recruiting and employing foreign nursing staff is professional post-qualification. Many countries have different standards and training content in the care sector. The congress offers special seminars and discussion rounds in which best practices are exchanged. Questions such as:
- How can linguistic and technical induction be made more effective?
- Which further and advanced training courses facilitate entry into intensive care?
- How can intercultural skills be promoted in order to avoid misunderstandings and create a harmonious team atmosphere?
The legal and organizational aspects are just as relevant: recognition procedures for foreign qualifications, visa regulations and healthcare requirements are discussed, as are the role of placement agencies and ensuring fair working conditions.
International networking for sustainable solutions
The congress in Antalya impressively demonstrates that the shortage of specialists in intensive care can only be tackled sustainably through international cooperation. Better networking between healthcare institutions, educational establishments and political players will enable long-term strategies to be developed in order to improve both the quality of care and the satisfaction of nursing staff. For nurses from abroad, this means new opportunities: they gain access to further training opportunities, establish contacts with potential employers and can sharpen their professional profile. At the same time, the host institutions benefit from the expertise, motivation and fresh perspectives that international nursing staff bring with them.
Conclusion: New paths for intensive care
The 4th International and 10th National Intensive Care Congress in Antalya opens the door to a global view of intensive care. It shows how important the use of foreign nursing staff is in order to overcome current shortages and make the healthcare system fit for the future. Through exchange, further training and networking, new impulses and innovative solutions are created that ultimately benefit everyone – the nurses, the facilities and, last but not least, the patients. Anyone interested in the future of intensive care should make a note of the date in Antalya. Not only will trends be set here, but the foundations will also be laid for international cooperation that will extend far beyond the congress days.