Tyrolean woman wrote a book

Hospital intern: A dream job with a dark side

Tyrolean Sophia Barbist (24) recently published her first book.

(Bild: Johanna Birbaumer)

In her book, a young nurse from Tyrol talks about the good things in her job, but also points out the challenging moments and shortcomings in the care system.

Full of enthusiasm, Sophia Barbist started her dream job as a nurse in 2021 after three years of training - unaware of how tough the reality would be. "I like my job, but it's mentally and physically very demanding," admits the Tyrolean, who tells the story of her life behind the hospital façade in a book.

 Experiences actually only written down for herself
"In my job as a nurse, I have experienced many wonderful moments, but unfortunately also sad ones," Sophia tells the Krone. Like many of her colleagues, the 24-year-old has also experienced the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. "Suddenly, I could no longer answer patients' questions because I was no longer allowed to work in the specialty I was trained in." Many colleagues resigned after this challenging time, but she put her experiences down on paper and initially processed them for herself. "At the time, I wasn't planning to write a book," laughs the qualified nurse, "but if nobody knows what it's really like in nursing, it's no good."

In my job as a nurse, I have experienced many wonderful moments, but unfortunately also sad ones.

Neo-Buchautorin Sophia Barbist

More patience from patients would make work easier
When reading the book, outsiders should become aware of what is done in nursing around the clock, 365 days a year. "I would like to see more patience from many people. We are often understaffed. People waiting usually don't know what's going on in the next room. Maybe they're fighting for someone's life there," says the Tyrolean, who believes that our care system is (still) of a very high standard.

"Krone" editor Samuel Thurner met the neo-author for an interview.

(Bild: Johanna Birbaumer)

But what would the neo-author change in the care system? "Of course, this is precisely the challenge of the future, because additional employees can't be conjured out of a hat. In principle, however, politicians in particular should look to create more attractive working conditions," says Barbist, "for example, a tax-free night shift allowance, a reduction in weekly hours and a better nursing staff ratio in many areas."

Book tip

"The story of the courageous young nurse Sophia Barbist will captivate everyone who reads it - and it concerns us all," promises publisher Maria Seifert. "My life as a young nurse - between truth and madness" is published as a hardcover with 228 pages by Seifert-Verlag. It can be found online and in bookshops for 25 euros.

The 24-year-old is also curious to see what the reaction to her book will be. "Of course I thought about whether it might cost me my job. But many work colleagues will agree with me because they are experiencing or have experienced similar moments." And perhaps the book will at least make society think a little ...