A New Take on Care

How can narrative media be used to paint a nuanced picture of the nursing profession? As part of the ‘Pflege neu erzählt’ project, students are developing media-based formats that challenge stereotypes – with a practical focus, grounded in research and in collaboration with Caritas.

The care sector is at the centre of social debate: staff shortages, increasing workloads and an often distorted portrayal in the media characterise the profession. Care workers are the backbone of the healthcare system, yet in the public eye their work is frequently reduced to stereotypical narratives. Audiovisual media offer the opportunity to broaden this one-sided view and open up more complex, realistic perspectives on the profession.

Project overview

As part of the project, students at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences are developing media-based narratives that present everyday life in care in a nuanced way. A wide range of practical media approaches are being used, from advanced video production and post-production through film sound to dramaturgy and storytelling. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, linear and interactive formats are created that allow viewers to experience the nursing profession from new angles.

Through close collaboration with the Caritasverband Offenbach/Main e.V., students gain authentic insights into the realities of life for care workers. These perspectives are directly incorporated into the media productions. At the end of the project, the results are presented – outstanding student work is recognised by a jury and publicly honoured by Caritas.

Aim of the project

The aim of the project is to develop contemporary audiovisual narrative formats that showcase the nursing profession beyond common clichés. Students engage creatively and critically with the social role of nursing and, through their work, contribute to public reflection on and appreciation of the profession.