FAGE training: «It requires openness and patience»

Lea Hediger and Riccardo Dellolio, you are now almost finished with your training to become an EFZ healthcare specialist. Why did you choose this training programme?

Ricardo Dellolio (RD): I always wanted to work in a social profession and with children. I first had a taste of working as a nursery and primary school teacher. But that didn't appeal to me. My mother, who is a carer herself, recommended that I do a taster internship at UKBB and I immediately liked it here.

Lea Hediger (LH): I was interested in this profession from an early age. I specifically chose the UKBB because children and adolescents of all ages are cared for and treated here. The way babies are treated is very different to that of a 12 or 18-year-old. I found that incredibly exciting and really wanted to learn more about it.

What are your main tasks as a healthcare professional?

RD: As a healthcare professional, we have very varied tasks and I can't list everything here. We are there for patients around the clock, give them the prescribed medication, change dressings and take blood samples. We also help them with everyday situations such as getting dressed or eating. We try to fulfil the children's wishes and, whenever possible, we also involve the parents in the process.

How do you integrate parents into care and why is that important?

RD: With a premature baby, it is important that the parents learn as quickly as possible how to change their baby's nappy, for example. This gives the parents security and promotes the bond between them and the child.

LH: We often get to the children better via the parents. When they see that the parents trust us, it is often much easier to work with them. Then they are also more willing to take a medication that they have previously refused to take.

What qualities do you need to have to do this job?

RD: You have to like contact with people and, especially in hectic situations, it's important to keep a cool head and carry out your work in a focussed and competent manner.

LH: You have to deal with a lot of different people in hospital and I think it's important to be able to approach others openly and be patient.

What do you particularly like about working here at UKBB?

LH: I like the fact that we get to know the children and their families personally. Sometimes they come to UKBB after their hospitalisation just to say hello to us. I also like working in a team. We help each other and can talk to each other about good and especially difficult situations.

RD: As well as the teamwork, I think it's great that you're always learning new things. The school-based training during my apprenticeship was focussed on the care of adults. We learnt everything about caring for children here at UKBB. This training gave us additional knowledge to what we learnt at school. I find that very exciting.

What is your next goal after your training?

RD: After my apprenticeship, I would like to familiarise myself with other areas of nursing and my first job will be in psychiatry during my community service.

LH: I have the opportunity to continue working at UKBB after I graduate and I will do the shortened course to become a qualified nursing specialist HF. I would definitely like to continue working in the family sector and later train as a midwife.

Lea Hediger and Riccardo Dellolio have successfully passed their final exams and we wish them all the best for the future.