Remember: on November 28, 2021, the people accepted the “For strong nursing care” initiative by 56%. A text which demanded that the working conditions of staff be improved and that more staff be trained. The Federal Council has put out for consultation until August 29 an implementation as planned in two stages of this text.
“By 2029, personnel needs are expected to increase by 14% in hospitals and by 26% in EMS,” recalled Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider in the preamble.
The first stage comes into force on July 1. The Confederation and the cantons want to boost the number of graduates, via financial support not only to healthcare establishments which will offer training places, but also to all those who will follow nursing training in a higher education institution (ES). or a specialized college (HS). Career prospects will also be improved.
Furthermore, nurses will be able to bill directly, without going to the doctor, for basic insurance services, such as help getting up or going to bed, washing, dressing, etc. “This measure will make it possible to promote the skills of nurses in the field of basic care,” launched the Jurassienne.
The second stage focuses on working conditions in order to attract more people into care and ensure that trained people do not leave the profession. “The working conditions are demanding and even difficult, which is why staff leave the profession prematurely,” explained Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider.
Concretely, service plans must be communicated at least four weeks in advance. Last minute changes will remain possible, but must be compensated in the form of leave or financially. Goal: improve the balance between private and professional life. The Federal Council also wants to lower the maximum weekly working time to 45 hours compared to 50 today. Normal working hours will be between 38 and 42 hours per week, whereas today, nothing is included in the law.
Concerning remuneration, the Federal Council does not set national rates. However, it specifies that employers, social partners and cantons will have to guarantee good salaries and will be obliged to negotiate collective labor agreements (CCT).
The Federal Council also announced that a national monitoring of healthcare personnel will make it possible to determine whether the measures taken to implement the initiative are bearing fruit. It will make it possible to monitor, for example, the number of vacant positions, the number of diplomas, the fluctuation rate, the workforce, etc.
