Apprenticeship as a geriatric nurse
‘The gratitude of being able to help‘ Sebastian, trainee at the Jena-Weimar Workers’ Welfare Organisation
What do you do and what do you like best about it?
I’m a trainee geriatric nurse and decided to do this after studying archaeology and doing my doctorate. My favourite thing about this job is the gratitude you feel when you have been able to help, the smile on the face of an elderly person who perhaps can no longer speak properly or is no longer as healthy as you would like them to be. You help society, even if that sounds like a phrase. You are doing something that is really useful and makes a difference.
Why did you decide to do this?
After university, I wanted to do something really tangible. As I grew up with my grandparents, I had a soft spot for dealing with old people and thought that would be something for me, and it is. So I found what I was looking for.
What is/was a personal challenge for you in your work and how do you deal with it?
The biggest challenge is dealing with suffering and, of course, especially with death, which is an inevitable part of the job of a geriatric nurse. You have to shield yourself from it somewhat, but also deal with it openly. The best way to deal with it is to talk about it with your colleagues. The fear and defensive attitude towards a dead person is something quite natural. My colleagues helped me a lot, asked me how I felt about it and helped me to come to terms with it.
What career prospects do you have as a geriatric nurse?
I think the career development opportunities are good – as a geriatric nurse, you have a good chance of finding a job that you enjoy. There are various opportunities for further training, for example you can become a residential area manager or care service manager.
Facts and figures on apprenticeship as a carer specialising in geriatric care
- Duration: 1 year
- Start: 1 September each year
- Requirements: Secondary school leaving certificate; health suitability, successfully completed internship in a senior care facility
- Apprenticeship pay: approx. € 1,020
Similar apprenticeships:
- Nursing specialist
- Health and paediatric nurse
- Social assistant
Part-time distance learning programme:
- Bachelor of Nursing/ Nursing Management
- Master’s in Nursing Science/ Nursing Management