It is now possible to study the subject “Nursing” at selected universities in Germany. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, graduates obtain the state-recognized qualification as a nursing specialist. This means that they can work at the bedside just like those who have completed a three-year dual training course in nursing patient care. Academization is intended to enhance the profession – something that we definitely want in nursing. However, I take a critical view of the way to achieve this via a course of study.
In an international comparison, Germany has so far stood alone with its dual training system. Most countries require a degree in nursing to work in direct patient care. Untrained staff are responsible for other activities, such as serving food or making beds. In Chile, for example, where my family comes from, the care system is structured according to this scheme. It works similarly in many other countries, including Europe. My Spanish colleague once told me about the structure in Spain – it is comparable to that in Chile.
With a degree in nursing, Germany would like to create a professional qualification that is easier to compare internationally. It also aims to make care more science-based. Because previously no studies were carried out in our field. Of course we did our jobs in a certain way because we saw success. However, official surveys were missing – in the scientific sense, our work was hardly evidence-based.
Intensive care specialist Pola Gülberg from the Ebersberger district clinic.
(Photo: Peter Hinz-Rosin)
The problem now: Even trained nursing professionals will have to work on patients. Because in Germany, in contrast to other countries where studying has long been possible, we have holistic primary care: We take all aspects of the patient into account and, if possible, the same nursing staff care for the same patients.
Will bachelor’s graduates agree to do the same jobs for the same salary as college graduates? I have doubts about it. Will this ultimately lead to a hierarchy between the training paths and thereby suppress holistic primary care? That would be a loss of quality for care.
Evidence-based work is important and ensures the quality of care, because a nurse requires a lot of specialist knowledge. So it is good that this aspect is gaining importance. But caring is also a practical activity. Even the many concepts that I love so much, like the kinesthetic concept, are practically oriented. It takes both theory and practice to create a holistic care process.
Pola Gülberg is an intensive care nurse. In this column, the 38-year-old talks about her work at the district clinic in Ebersberg every week. The collected texts are below sueddeutsche.de/thema/Auf Station to find.