Germany is well-known for its willingness to recruit foreign nurses. In fact, many Filipino nurses have already gone to Germany seeking a better career and life. It is no secret that Germany is one of the best countries for Filipino nurses to move to in order to advance their career. This is why more than a handful of nurses are choosing to spend their free time learning German.
Why Germany in particular? There are many reasons why Germany is an ideal choice for nurses looking to find employment abroad. Here are some of those reasons:
High-Demand for Highly Skilled Nurses in Germany
Germany goes out of its way to attract nurses from all over the world due to the shortage of skilled workers. This is in response to a government policy enforced by then-Chancellor Angela Merkel to counteract over 40,000 nursing vacancies in the country.
Of course, Germany isn’t just about having nurses arrive. The government has many programs in place that help assist the nurses when it comes to adjusting to the German culture, language, and more.
German Laws Take Work-Life Balance Seriously
Burnout. That’s something a lot of Filipino nurses tend to experience due to long hours. However, Germany understands the importance of work-life balance and has many laws that help employees achieve it.
In most hospitals, shifts run from either from 6am to 2:30pm, from 1:30pm to 10pm, or from 8:30pm to 6am. Furthermore, some hospitals and elderly care centers even offer their nurses the choice of working six night shifts, followed by six free days, providing nurses with a flexible schedule that allows them to address commitments outside of work or spend more time with family and loved ones.
Career Advancement Opportunities Aplenty in Germany
Career advancement is important for nurses. In Germany, most nurses tend to work within a specific unit for a handful of years to start off. However, there are many opportunities for advancing to leadership roles such as team leaders. From here, there are many opportunities for nurses to managerial positions or even enter the academic world by training aspiring nurses in vocational schools in Germany.
For those who prefer to continue providing care as a nurse, Germany also offers foreign nurses with ample opportunities to skill up and take one of over 200 nursing specializations. The possibilities and opportunities are virtually endless!