8 good reasons to work as a nurse in Germany
Nursing profession is a passion, but unfortunately, this precious profession is not always the most valued. Germany, however, continuously attracts nurses from overseas to fill vacancies within hospitals. Registered nurses can benefit from great working conditions, social security and other employee benefits. While it does not make the job easier per se, it feels so much better knowing that you are valued in your workplace, not only financially but also as a personality. Here are a few of the positives when working in Germany as a nurse.
High employment rates
Employment rates in Germany are among the highest in the world. It is also one of the world’s leading economies. Health sector is one of the most important employment sectors in the country. Overall population is statistically aging globally, and there is a growing need for more young people to join the workforce. There simply is not enough workforce to cover all available healthcare vacancies in Germany. This underlying need already makes Nurses from other countries very sought after in the German Health sector and the demand is growing with every year.
Healthcare facilities from hospitals and clinics, nursing homes, disabled people’s dormitories, outpatient social services, rehabilitation centers, and even vocational schools are looking for qualified nurses from abroad. Qualified nurses will always have a job.
Excellent Qualification opportunities
Healthcare professionals are among those who keep learning throughout their lives. If you are in healthcare profession and want to take on new tasks, change specialization, or gain more responsibilities, there is a wide range of further training courses available in Germany. Qualifications caYou can get qualification in over 200 different fields. The more new skills you learn, the more possibilities of earning a higher salary and increased demand for your services.
Nurses with vocational qualifications have several job opportunities in the following fields:
- Anesthesia and intensive care
- Operations and endoscopy
- Oncology
- Clinical geriatrics
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
- Palliative and hospice care
- Hygiene
- Nephrology
- Psychiatric care
Job opportunities for nurses with bachelor or master degree:
- Head of the department
- Care expert
- Care consultant
- Palliative Care
- Specialist in culture-sensitive care
- Specialist in-home care
- Specialist for health and social services
- Support and care assistance
What makes this even better is that you can take most of these courses part time and they are mostly paid by your employer.
Better work-life balance
What makes nursing profession challenging is the demanding work conditions. Apart from extremely busy everyday life, long hours and working on holidays is a common experience for most of the nurses. Germany has the most regulated yet flexible working hours. Some hospitals or in-home care agencies also offer the option of working 6-night shifts followed by 6 days off, for example. This system makes it easier to balance your work and family life.
Job and social security
Another benefit for working in Germany is the highly reliable work councils or unions who protect every employee. Even if you are working in a big hospital with a big number of staff, you will still be in good hands. Nursing is one of the highly valued professions in Germany and nurses will always have a job, regardless of the economic situation in the country.
Everyone who works in Germany has access to social security and its benefits like unemployment insurance, healthcare or retirement insurance. You must pay monthly contributions in order to use them later or upon request. A big part of it is covered by your employer.
High pay rate
Salary is always one of the most important factors influencing our job satisfaction. When taking a decision to step out of your comfort zone and move to a foreign country, look for compensation that will make your move worthwhile. Germany is well-known for its high-paying nursing positions. A nurse’s annual salary in Germany is approximately 33,000 EUR, or approximately 2,800 EUR gross per month. This amount varies according to your experience, qualifications, location, and work shift.
International Culture and Exposure The best part about relocating to a foreign country is becoming acquainted with its culture. Germany is one of the top five most popular immigration destinations in the world. Because it is located in the heart of Europe, it is easy to go across the border for a weekend getaway. There are many top destinations to visit, most of which are only a couple of hours away by car, train, or cheap flight. Who doesn’t want to go to Amsterdam, Paris, or Athens whenever they for a weekend?
Paid holidays and sick leave
Nurses in Germany enjoy their hard-earned paid holidays for at least 20 working days per year. You are also entitled to 6 weeks of pai sick leave.
Maternity/ parental leave
Working mothers can take up to three years of parental leave per child. During parental leave, employees have the legal right-to-work part-time (up to 30 hours per week). With the flexible schedule system it is easy to switch to part-time work, and many people in health care do so. Employees may return to their previous working hours following parental leave. Employers must not end your work contract during your parental leave and 4 months after childbirth.
With all the benefits mentioned above and so many more, Germany can be easily named as one of the most beneficial countries to work and live in as a nurse.
Do you want to see the best career opportunities for you? Reach out to I Work Overseas today! Our experienced Recruiters will find the most suitable career options for you and will be by your side to assist on every step of the way!