Nursing knowledge test: preparation, procedure and pass rates

This article provides general information about the knowledge examination in nursing. The exact examination requirements vary depending on the federal state and the responsible authority. For your specific situation, please contact the responsible recognition office or a specialized advisor. You have your deficit notice in hand. The recognition authority has determined...

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International nursing staff in German hospitals: What we can learn from five hospitals

University hospitals and large hospitals in Germany and Austria have recruited thousands of nurses from abroad in the last ten years. Some projects have failed. Others are running so well that former newcomers are now managing wards themselves. This article looks at the cases where it has worked – and asks why. Every…

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Integration of foreign nursing staff: practical guide for employers

How hospitals and care facilities can not only attract but also retain international skilled workers. You have invested months, spent thousands of euros, collected documents, organized visas – and then the new caregiver resigns after four months. What went wrong? In most cases, the answer doesn't lie in the recruitment process. It lies in...

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Country comparisons: Care in comparisonCare workers from Eastern Europe: Poland, Romania, Croatia and the Balkans in comparison

Brief answer for employers: Nursing professionals from EU countries such as Poland, Romania, or Croatia benefit from automatic professional recognition and freedom of movement for workers – no visa, no recognition procedure, start of work within a few weeks. For skilled workers from non-EU Balkan states (Bosnia, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro), the Western Balkans regulation serves as an entry bridge; however, professional recognition must be completed afterward. Placement fees for EU skilled workers:…

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Recruiting nursing staff from abroad: costs, procedure and recognizing reputable agencies

Short answer for employers: International nurses can be recruited through the Triple Win program, the Western Balkan regulation, or private agencies. Expect total costs of €15,000–€30,000 per specialist and a lead time of 6–12 months. The accelerated skilled workers procedure (€411 fee) can shorten visa issuance to approx. 4 months. Since the PUEG (July 2023), a...

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Shortage of skilled nursing staff: causes, figures and solutions for employers

Five nursing homes closed, 550 beds cut. That was Hamburg in 2024. Not because of a lack of residents, not because of renovations. Because there was no staff. What made headlines in Hamburg has long been a quiet reality in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saarland, and parts of Bavaria. Outpatient services are turning away clients. Wards are being merged. Nurse managers…

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