(PROFESSIONAL NURSING IN GERMANY: CURRENT SITUATION AND PERSPECTIVES)

Abstract

In Germany, there are three educational programs in place which qualify trainees for professional nursing: nursing care for adults, children, and older people. The need of nursing care is universal due to the increasing demand for nursing care for older persons. Currently, a new German law is in preparation which will be the basis for a joint educational program for the three nursing professions at schools and academic institutions, thus, aiming at increasing permeability between different nursing settings. The law will set new standards concerning nursing educators' qualification, substitution and delegation of physicians' tasks, and nursing training programs at universities. The draft of the law emphasizes the meaning of nursing science and the need for transfer its results to nursing practice. At present, implementation of scientifically generated nursing knowledge in nursing routines is neglected due to lack of scientific understanding and competence in nursing practice. A joint training program and a competence-oriented nursing education - as it is standard in other European countries - might increase the mobility of German nurses in Europe. University training on nursing as one standard model of education will increase vertical perspectives providing nurses with career opportunities to reach PhD graduation. The upcoming law might facilitate a future-oriented and science-based professional nursing in Germany.