12 May – International Nurses Day. A day that puts the spotlight on those who achieve remarkable things every single day: nurses and healthcare professionals. People who, with skill, heart, and dedication, help others to get better, stay healthy – or receive care with dignity. At IMC Krems, this day is also dedicated to recognising the vital role of nurses – and of those who have chosen to enter this meaningful profession.
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Live, Love, Heal
One of them is Helena Penz, a second-semester student of the bachelor programme Gesundheits- und Krankenpflege. She represents a new generation of nursing professionals – competent, reflective, and empathetic. For Helena, one thing is clear: “I want to make a difference – for others, and for myself.” And there’s no better place to do that than where knowledge and practice go hand in hand: at IMC Krems.
Nursing is a mindset. Nursing is the future. Nursing is: Live. Love. Heal.
The programme’s motto – Live. Love. Heal. – means more to Helena than just a slogan. It’s a commitment to society. And a personal attitude:
- Live means accompanying people who want to live a fulfilled life despite illness or limitations.
- Love stands for a deep understanding of respect, empathy, and humanity – regardless of age, background, or diagnosis.
- Heal means combining sound expertise with genuine closeness, and giving patients hope during difficult times.
“Nursing is more than a job. It’s a calling – with heart, mind, and purpose,” Helena says. And she lives by that: in lecture halls, in the Health Lab, but most of all where nursing truly matters – in direct contact with people.
Where learning meets life
At IMC Krems, nursing students spend about half of their studies in real-world practice – in hospitals, care homes, or with mobile services. This gives them valuable experience early on and shows how theory and reality intertwine. Helena especially remembers her first placement: “The interprofessional collaboration, the trust of the patients, the everyday learning moments – it was incredibly enriching.”
Nursing has a future – because it’s irreplaceable
There’s no doubt: nursing can be demanding. But it’s also crisis-proof, meaningful, and diverse. For Helena, one thing is certain: no technological advance can replace human closeness, listening, or true understanding. “Artificial intelligence can do a lot. But it can’t feel. It can’t comfort. It can’t inspire courage.”
In addition to job security and social relevance, nursing offers a wide range of career development opportunities – from specialisations and further education to research. Helena is convinced: if you want to make a real impact, this is the place.
Get started. Explore. Be inspired.
Her advice for students considering a career in nursing: “Just give it a try. Holiday placements or starting with nursing assistance help you get a feel for the job. If it’s right for you, you’ll know.”
One day. One message. One thank you.
On 12 May, we don’t just celebrate Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing. We celebrate everyone who rises to the challenge of this profession every day – and all those who aspire to join them.
Thank you to people like Helena. Thank you to our students. Thank you to all the nurses. Because without you, our society would not be the same. You are the backbone, the heart, and the hope – today and in the future.