Due to the high standard of living in Germany, a significant percentage of the population enjoys an increased life span. With an ageing population, along with the shrinking number of young people entering their professional lives. The need for Nursing professionals in Germany and even basic medical care is increasing.
There is a stable German healthcare system, but nursing practitioners are still needed in high quantities. Hospitals, long-term healthcare facilities, and other health organizations are constantly in search of nurses with different degrees of qualification so that they are able to handle the growing trend in the field of healthcare as well as the nursing field. This trend is expected to continue in the years to come.
International nurses have been a major pillar in German care homes and hospitals for many years. Therefore, there are more multicultural teams operating in German care homes and hospitals.
- Major Tasks in the Nursing Field
- Figures on Nursing Professionals in Germany
- Entry Requirements for International Nursing Professionals
- Frequently Asked Questions
Important Tasks in the Nursing Field
As a nurse, you will care for people of all ages and support them in every phase of their life. In Germany, the title “Pflegefachfrau/-mann” or “Pflegefachperson” is now used for nurses, which includes health and nursing care, paediatric nursing, and geriatric nursing. Nurses may work in the following areas:
- Inpatient acute care (e.g., hospital)
- Inpatient long-term care (e.g., nursing home)
- Ambulatory care (home care for private individuals)
- Medical rehabilitation (outpatient and inpatient)
- Palliative care (outpatient and inpatient)
Your tasks in the nursing field will include independent observation, guidance, support, and care of patients, both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Additionally, you may also document and evaluate nursing measures, as well as carry out medical instructions and assist with medical interventions. However, that will depend on your individual specialisation and qualification. As a nurse, you will also be an expert contact for the patient’s family.
Figures on Nursing Professionals in Germany
a) 1.8 million people are employed in the nursing sector in jobs subject to compulsory social insurance. 16% of them are foreign nationals.
b) Around 35,000 job positions in care facilities are vacant.
Entry Requirements for International Nursing Professionals
Those wishing to work in the nursing profession in Germany on a long-term basis require official authorisation to practise their profession. As a rule, the following formal requirements must be met in order to be permitted to work in the nursing profession in Germany:
- Recognised qualification: The nursing qualification obtained in your country of origin must be recognised in Germany.
- Sufficient knowledge of the German language: For recognition, you must have at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- Medical fitness: You will need to provide a certificate proving that you are physically and mentally fit to work as a nurse.
- Personal suitability/Trustworthiness: In order to prove your trustworthiness, you will require proof that you do not have a criminal record.
