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The Vereinigung der Pflegenden in Bayern (VdPB) is Bavaria's central voice for nursing and a corporation under public law[1][3]. As an independent interest group, it was founded in 2017 on the basis of the Nursing Association Act passed by the Bavarian State Parliament[1][2] and represents the interests of around 200,000 nurses who work in Bavaria's hospitals, old people's and nursing homes and outpatient services[3].
The VdPB's goal is to further develop the quality of care - both in the interests of the professional group and for the security of care for people in Bavaria[1]. The organization is committed to advancing the reputation and influence of nursing in the healthcare system and no longer treating nurses as "executive bodies" but as professionals with comprehensive knowledge and responsibility for the lives of other people[4].
For decades, the nursing profession lacked an independent voice - the VdPB is changing this through its participation in important committees and its dialogue with politicians on an equal footing[5].
The VdPB acts as an interest group and service provider and offers its members a comprehensive range of services[4]:
Advice and support: Free advice for its members on professional, ethical and technical issues, as well as mediation in conflicts between members, colleagues, superiors or employers[1][4]
Political participation: Participation in legislative procedures and representation of nurses in important committees such as the State Nursing Committee[1]
Further education and quality development: Commitment to the further education and training of nurses, including the recognition of further education institutions since 2021[1][4]
Conferences and networking: Organization of major specialist events such as the "Zukunft Pflege" congress and active networking with relevant players in the healthcare system[2]
Data-based strategy development: Development of a monitoring concept to create a knowledge base for the sustainable safeguarding of nursing care with a regional and supra-regional focus[4]
The VdPB is headed by a three-member presidium, which is elected by the members[2]. Since their new election, Kathrin Weidenfelder as President, Prof. Dr. Matthias Drossel as 1st Vice President and Michael Wetterich as 2nd Vice President represent the organization[1]. The VdPB has a full-time office with its own administrative staff[2].
Membership in the VdPB is voluntary and free of charge[1][5]. This enables nurses to join of their own accord and actively participate in shaping the future of nursing in Bavaria. All members have access to the services of the VdPB and can determine their representation themselves through elections[3].
The VdPB has proven itself to be an effective organization during the pandemic. It quickly founded the Pflegepool Bayern to bridge critical bottlenecks in nursing care[6]. This demonstrates its ability to react flexibly to challenges and provide effective support potential in crisis situations[6].
The new presidium has set itself the goal of further developing, coordinating and implementing a comprehensive strategy in the first 100 days in office, which will set the course for the VdPB for the coming years[1]. The organization is therefore facing new challenges, but can build on a solid foundation that has been shaped by the previous leaders.
The VdPB embodies a paradigm shift in the perception of nursing professions in Bavaria: away from hierarchical external control, towards genuine professionalization and personal responsibility of nurses.
