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A profession that touches - Saskia Lüdi, healthcare specialist (FaGe), talks about her work with premature and sick newborns in neonatology

Saskia Lüdi

Saskia Lüdi

June 3, 2025

reading time

8 min

In today's blog post, we take a look behind the scenes of neonatology at Zollikerberg Hospital - into the everyday working life of Saskia Lüdi, an EFZ healthcare specialist (FaGe), who cares for our young patients and their parents with great commitment and empathy. In this interview, she tells us about her day-to-day work, the special moments on the ward and what she loves so much about her job.

How did you come to train as a healthcare assistant - and what motivated you to work in nursing?

I often went for a taster as a healthcare assistant during secondary school and I really enjoyed it every time. I enjoyed working with different people and in a team. That's why I applied for various apprenticeships. The various further training opportunities at higher technical colleges, which were also possible without a vocational baccalaureate (BMS) after the healthcare assistant training programme, made training as a healthcare assistant very attractive to me. After my training, however, I decided to continue working as a healthcare specialist for the time being and found my calling here in neonatology.

Close-up of a person attaching the strap of a monitoring device to the small foot of a baby.

Why did you choose the neonatology ward and what do you like most about your work?

Even as a child, I always enjoyed newborn babies. I often babysat and attended a babysitting course. During the school holidays, I was often able to go to work with my mother at a nursery. I was usually with the newborns there too. My dream job would have been a baby nurse - if this profession still existed.

After my nurse training, I kept applying for postnatal and paediatric jobs, but without success. I was usually turned down on the grounds that I didn't have the experience. Nevertheless, I didn't give up and kept applying for vacancies. After a few years, it finally worked out and I was allowed to start here in neonatology. I really like the work here. I have really blossomed again. We have a great team and working with the children and their parents fulfils me. It gives me great pleasure to see the progress and to accompany the little patients from their first day until they are discharged.

I have also recently taken on the role of vocational trainer for the healthcare assistant trainees. I had already attended the course and will now supervise apprentices for eight weeks every year. I really enjoy this task.

Newborn baby sleeping peacefully in the arms of a person with a soft bib around their neck.

What does a typical working day in our neonatology department look like?

No matter what shift I'm on, I first check the files of my two or three assigned children. Then there's a brief handover with the previous shift. Now the work can begin: The first children are usually already hungry. If the parents are not present at the time, I change the first child's nappy and then they are cuddled or probed. Once the parents are there, I support them and give them new tips. Many parents are already very independent, so I can leave them alone with the child with a clear conscience. Of course, they continue to receive regular updates on their child's progress and changes. Documentation is also an important part of my work.

Many different professional groups work together on the neonatology ward, such as nurses, doctors and physiotherapists. How important is teamwork for you and how would you describe the atmosphere on the ward?

Interdisciplinary collaboration with different professional groups is an important part of our day-to-day work. We work closely with doctors and physiotherapists. All premature babies have physiotherapy about once a week.

Teamwork is very important to me and the whole team and works well. If you have any questions or need help, there is always someone on hand to provide support. The atmosphere on our ward is also very positive for the most part.

Doctor examines premature baby in intensive care unit.

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a healthcare assistant - especially in neonatology?

I would certainly recommend getting a taste of neonatology and - if possible - training directly at the children's hospital or in paediatrics. This increases your chances of getting a job in neonatology straight after your training. Otherwise, it is important not to give up after your training - even if you keep getting rejections. Try again and again. At some point you will definitely succeed - even without experience. If you have the right social skills, personality, interest and efficiency, nothing can go wrong.

Specialised care for the little ones

A look inside our neonatology clinic

In neonatology at Zollikerberg Hospital, we care for premature and sick newborn babies with a great deal of expertise, empathy and interdisciplinary cooperation. The well-being of our little patients and their families always takes centre stage - supported by a dedicated team from medicine, nursing and therapy.

Silhouette einer anonymen weiblichen Person mit mittellangem Haar vor unscharfem Hintergrund.

Saskia Lüdi

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