In a move aimed at making nursing studies more attractive as well as addressing the current challenges, the German government has passed the draft of the Nursing Studies Strengthening Act.
This legislation introduces several reforms to increase the attractiveness of nursing studies, including simplified recognition of foreign qualifications and a training allowance for students, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
“The study should become more attractive so that more people choose a career in nursing: With the Nursing Studies Strengthening Act, the federal government closes loopholes in the training allowance and strengthens the attractiveness of academic nursing training,” the statement of the German government reads.
One of the most important aspects of the new law that the German government has decided to introduce is the provision for financing vocational nursing training.
The nursing course that is designed as a dual course of study will now grant nursing students a sufficient training allowance throughout the whole duration of their programme.
Such a change will ensure that all nursing students are being supported financially as they gain the necessary skills as well as experience and become part of the working force in the country.
Moreover, students who have already begun their university nursing training under the previous regulations will also be eligible to receive the training allowance from the government for the remaining period of their studies. This will ensure that current students will not be left behind, and they will also get to benefit from the new regulations.
In addition to the above-mentioned, the government explains that the Nursing Studies Strengthening Act also addressed the recognition of foreign nursing qualifications obtained abroad.
The legislation aims to simplify as well as standardise the recognition procedures for nursing professionals from other countries by regulating the scope of required documents for the recognition process.
Moreover, the act also proposes alternatives to equivalence tests, such as adaptation courses or knowledge assessments, this way facilitating the integration of foreign nursing professionals into the healthcare system of Germany.
“The recognition procedure for foreign nursing professionals is to be standardised and simplified. In particular, the scope and required form of the documents to be submitted are to be regulated by federal law,” the government stated.
In addition, the new law also seeks o update the framework for vocational nursing training to integrate advancements in digitisation. This includes enabling digital teaching formats within nursing training programmes.
Furthermore, the act also introduces a measure by allowing nursing students and professionals to choose the gender-neutral job title of “nurse”. This will apply to both aspiring nursing students as well as professionals who already have the necessary qualifications.
Previously, SchengenVisaInfo.com reported that Germany wants to attract more nurses from Brazil. The authorities of Germany and Brazil have already initiated talks on the matter, and once an agreement is concluded, it is expected that a large number of nurses from Brazil to be able to reach Germany for work purposes without having to undergo strict rules.