Nurse Daniela E. in the interview
Daniela, please tell us about the possibilities you have had and still have at the UKW.
I came here in 1987 after my nursing training. First I worked full-time and then after my daughter was born, I took three years’ parental leave. The nice thing was that even during this time I was able to do further training and was involved in projects. I thus had the feeling I was still part of things; so starting work again was also easier.
I began by working 25 per cent, one day a week and one weekend a month; later I increased to 75 per cent. This is possible here without any problems. So it’s perfect for all those who want to include a lot of other things in their lives besides nursing.
For example, if you want to care for your parents or plan to go abroad for a while – that is possible. You then work, for example, with partial wage continuation; the details need to be discussed, of course, but there are so many work models with which you can design your personal situation as a nurse.
You mentioned projects that you are involved in. Are there any current projects?
I find project work really good! At the moment I’m in the “Age-appropriate Hospital” project group.
With good ideas, there is so much that you can do. Sometimes just small details are sufficient: Let’s just make the numbers on the doors much bigger. That is an enormous help for older people. Or let’s use colours and pictograms to make orientation in the house easier.
How does a normal working day begin for you?
Before the early shift, it’s important for me to be calm when I start on the ward, so I always arrive a little earlier and drink a cup of coffee. Then I begin. The night nurse does the handover and we arrange who does what on that day. I always look forward to seeing my colleagues; there are 16 nurses on the ward and I like them very much. I particularly enjoy the neurosurgery ward; I like the systematic procedure here; in comparison to other wards it is easier to plan.
How is new knowledge communicated here at the UKW?
There are countless further training forms, nursing lectures and events. There is something for absolutely everyone. For instance, I did further training in ward management at our own in-house academy – in a course that took two years. Or recently I listened to a talk on nutrition during shift work. Since then I know that it’s important to eat something at night, too, if you are working, but only something light. Then we also have yoga courses and many other things.
What is a special feature of the UKW as an employer for you?
Tailoring my work to me personally – to my talents and life phases – that’s possible as a nurse here.
Thank you very much for these interesting insights, Daniela.
Here the colleagues on the ward can give you insights into what is involved in their work as a nurse.
You want to work with us? Then we look forward to seeing you!
If you would first like some orientation, then you can gladly come for a couple of days’ observation and form your own opinion. You can contact us by email at pflegedirektion@ukw.de or by phone at the number +49 931 201-57102 so that we can arrange an appointment. We will also be glad to answer any of your questions then.
Your dream job is not advertised at the moment? Then send an unsolicited application for the field you find most attractive and together we will find a place for you. Please send your documents for this in PDF form to: pflegedirektion@ukw.de