Working as a healthcare assistant in Luxembourg: wages, requirements, documents

Overview of the healthcare assistant jobs in Luxembourg

A healthcare assistant in Luxembourg plays a crucial role in supporting nurses and general or specialist doctors by handling administrative tasks and performing minor medical procedures. This position was designed to alleviate the workload of overburdened physicians, allowing them to focus more on patient care.

Healthcare assistants occupy a unique position that bridges the gap between medical secretaries and nurses. While they share administrative responsibilities with medical secretaries, healthcare assistants also possess the medical knowledge to provide specific patient care, unlike their purely administrative counterparts.

Scope of job of a Healthcare Assistant

The primary function of a healthcare assistant is to free up doctors from administrative, logistical, and practical tasks, enabling them to devote more time to their medical duties.

Key responsibilities include:

Administrative tasks

Welcoming patients, creating and managing electronic patient files, collecting and recording administrative and medical information, and assisting with the implementation of telemedicine in the practice.

Helping with consultations

Helping patients dress and undress, taking vital signs, measuring weight and height, conducting screening tests, and preparing and assisting with technical procedures.

Managing medical equipment

Disinfecting or sterilising equipment and ordering supplies for the waiting room or doctor's office.

Workplaces and roles

While healthcare assistants are commonly found working alongside general practitioners, their roles are not limited to this setting. Both public and private sector establishments employ healthcare assistants, including clinics, rehabilitation centres, hospitals, medical practices, nursing homes, and home care centres.

Training and skills necessary to work as a healthcare assistant

There is no single training pathway to become a healthcare assistant in Luxembourg. Various educational routes can lead to this profession, such as diplomas in nursing assistance, nursing, or child care assistance.

In Luxembourg, some examples of available training programs include the DAP Aide-Soignant or the BTS Infirmier, both offered by the Lycée Technique pour les Professions de Santé.

Skills and Aptitudes

Beyond formal training, numerous soft skills are essential for excelling as a healthcare assistant:

Empathy

Compassion towards patients is crucial. Being able to understand and identify with others' emotions helps provide better care.

Service Orientation

Healthcare assistants must have a strong service orientation, be ready to face various situations, handle stress, and treat patients with urgent needs respectfully and effectively.

Interpersonal Communication

Social skills such as effective communication, assertiveness, and empathy are vital. These skills facilitate strong connections with patients and colleagues.

Professional Ethics

Commitment to ethical standards and maintaining patient confidentiality is paramount in this profession.

Flexibility

Healthcare jobs often do not adhere to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. Being flexible and prepared for rotating shifts or weekend work is necessary.

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How to get a healthcare assistant job in Luxembourg?

In this section, we will explore the various settings in which healthcare assistants can work in Luxembourg and examine the job market for these professionals in the country. Whether you are considering a career move or starting fresh in the healthcare field, understanding the landscape of healthcare assistant jobs in Luxembourg is crucial. We will analyze the different areas where healthcare assistants can be employed and provide insights into the demand for these professionals across Luxembourg.

Different positions to work as a healthcare assistant in Luxembourg

As a healthcare assistant in Luxembourg, you can work in a variety of settings, both public and private. Let's explore some of the positions available in each environment.

Medical Practice Assistant

In medical practice, healthcare assistants focus primarily on direct patient interaction and administrative tasks. They are responsible for scheduling appointments, welcoming patients, and managing medical records. They also assist with minor procedures like physical exams, taking vital signs, and preparing patients for consultations with the doctor. Additionally, they handle billing, medical coding, and insurance authorizations. Part of their role includes educating patients about medications, diets, and post-treatment care. This environment is typically more controlled, with regular hours and fewer emergencies compared to other settings.

Hospital or Clinic Assistant

In a hospital or clinic, healthcare assistants work with various medical teams, including nurses, specialist doctors, and other healthcare professionals. They assist doctors with numerous minor medical tasks. The environment in a hospital or clinic is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring healthcare assistants to adapt quickly to changing situations. They often work in rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Nursing Home Assistant

In nursing homes, healthcare assistants provide daily and ongoing care to residents, focusing on long-term quality of life. They monitor chronic conditions, administer medications, and collaborate on long-term care planning. They assist residents with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and eating, and provide emotional and social support. They also participate in recreational activities to enhance the well-being of residents. Additionally, they regularly communicate with residents' families to update them on their health and well-being. This setting requires a consistent and careful approach, tailored to the specific needs of each resident.

Which positions are most demanded in Luxembourg?

Due to the constant increase in population, aging demographics, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and other health issues, the demand for healthcare professionals in Luxembourg is quite high and continues to grow. However, not all professions within the healthcare sector experience the same level of demand. To examine the demand for healthcare assistants in detail, we will refer to the sectoral study conducted by the Ministry of Labour (MT) and the Employment Development Agency (ADEM) on the healthcare field from 2020 to 2022.

This study is based on the vacancies reported to ADEM. According to the study, 7% of the vacancies declared in the healthcare sector correspond to healthcare assistants and medical secretaries. This places healthcare assistants in the third position, following nursing aides who occupy the second position with 13.2% of declared vacancies, and nurses who rank first with 22.1% of declared vacancies.

It's important to note that the positions for doctors are rarely declared to ADEM, so their proportion of 1.7% does not reflect the real market demand. Doctors are actually highly sought after, potentially even more than caregivers or nurses.

Source: ADEM

Luxembourg establishments recruiting healthcare assistants

If you're interested in the healthcare field and wondering where to find healthcare assistant jobs in Luxembourg, we've got you covered. In this section, we'll explore the top job portals and examine the best places to find employment opportunities in Luxembourg.

There are several companies where you can work as a healthcare assistant in Luxembourg. We list some of the most important ones along with links to their job offerings in this field.

Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg

As the main hospital center in the capital, the CHL offers a wide range of medical services and specialties, regularly requiring professionals in various healthcare areas.

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Centre Hospitalier Neuro-Psychiatrique

The largest psychiatric hospital in Luxembourg, structured into three entities, each dedicated to a specific population type.

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Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise

The Luxembourgish branch of the Red Cross, providing humanitarian aid and healthcare services worldwide.

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Médecins du Monde

An international medical development organization providing healthcare to vulnerable populations globally and in Luxembourg.

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SERVIOR

The national leader in elderly care in Luxembourg, providing comprehensive support services and frequently recruiting nursing aides to supplement its teams.

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Elysis

A living facility for the elderly with physical and/or psychological dependence, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives despite their level of dependence.

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Le Gouvernement du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg

The public sector offers a wide variety of roles, including healthcare assistants.

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LNS - Laboratoire National de Santé

A public institution operating under the Ministry of Health, offering services related to pathology, genetics, medical biology, microbiology, forensic medicine, and health protection.

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Fondation Jean-Pierre Pescatore

A century-old institution pioneering retirement homes, providing charitable services in Luxembourg City.

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If you're a foreign professional seeking healthcare assistant jobs in Luxembourg with visa sponsorship, keep in mind that many of these establishments may provide assistance with obtaining a visa, even if it's not explicitly mentioned in the job postings. You can inquire about this either before applying or during the job interview.

Job portals

By utilizing both online job portals and your personal network, you can maximize your chances of finding healthcare assistant jobs in Luxembourg. Let's explore these two options:

1. Online job portals

   The internet is the best place to research the job market, with numerous job portals hosting thousands of job listings. These portals allow you to filter job offers based on the sector you want to work in, location, required level of education, or work experience.

   Among the various portals available, some cater to international or European job offers, while others are local, focusing primarily on opportunities in Luxembourg. Some platforms combine both worlds, serving as international platforms but also having separate portals for each country.

   • International Portals: eures.europa.eu, eurojobs.com, eurojobsites.com, experteer.com, indeed.com, page.com, LinkedIn.com.
   • Luxembourg Portals: jobfinder.lu, jobs.lu, monster.lu, moovijob.com.
2. Professional Network:

   Another effective way to approach job hunting is by leveraging your network of contacts. Working on expanding your professional network is one of the most efficient methods of finding employment. Reach out to people within your network who work in your field in the country where you wish to migrate. This could include friends, former classmates who have moved and are now working in Luxembourg, or even former colleagues who have migrated to Luxembourg as you intend to do.

   You can also utilize LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your industry, even if you don't know them personally. When reaching out, be sure to introduce yourself properly and explain why you are contacting them. Some individuals will be willing to assist you. Additionally, try to expand your professional network by joining professional organizations or attending events in your field of work.

Freelance and interim work as a healthcare assistant in Luxembourg

Freelance work as a healthcare assistant is not common in Luxembourg due to the nature of the profession, which often requires a consistent and stable presence within healthcare institutions. Healthcare settings typically prioritize continuity of care and adherence to strict regulations, making it challenging for freelance healthcare assistants to meet these demands.

Temporary work contracts are a viable option for healthcare assistants in Luxembourg as they provide flexibility for both employers and employees. These contracts allow healthcare institutions to address short-term staffing needs efficiently, while healthcare assistants gain valuable experience and exposure to different work environments.

What else can you read on the topic of employment in Luxembourg?

You will find a variety of articles on job search, career development, and workplace culture in our dedicated section of the Blog. Check it out.

Salaries for healthcare assistants in Luxembourg in 2024

Now that we have explored most aspects of this profession, we have reached an important point: the salary of healthcare assistants in Luxembourg. When examining salaries, Luxembourg generally fares well as wages are typically higher than the European average, and the salary of healthcare assistants in Luxembourg is no exception. However, the amount will depend on the position and your experience. According to Paylab, the salary for a healthcare assistant ranges from 1,855 to 5,220 euros gross per month, providing an initial idea of the earning potential in this field.

What papers do you need as a foreigner?

For European nationals, the process of working in Luxembourg is relatively straightforward, given the freedom to live and work in any European country. However, navigating the paperwork becomes essential if you are not a European national.

The requirements vary based on your circumstances, distinguishing between employed and self-employed roles. Additionally, familial situations, such as having a Luxembourgish or European partner, can impact the process.

Common documents and prerequisites typically include:

Collect the documents

These are the first basic documents one might need to apply for a work permit and temporary authorisation to stay.

*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.

Two fully completed Schengen visa application forms

Two recent identical passport photos

A copy of the passport

Proof of accommodation

An employment contract

Payment of the applicable visa fee

Collect the documents

These are the first basic documents one might need to apply for a work permit and temporary authorisation to stay.

*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.