My experience as a care worker in Germany
Dear candidates,
We met with Nargiza. She is a nurse from Uzbekistan and has been working in Germany since 2009. Nargiza told us how she has settled in here and what tips she would like to give you if you would also like to come to Germany as a nurse.
Who is Nargiza?
Nargiza comes from Uzbekistan and has lived in Germany since 2009. She knew early on that she wanted to work in the medical field - either as a doctor or a nurse. She then trained as a nurse at a medical technical college in Uzbekistan and worked in a hospital before coming to Germany.
What was the beginning like in Germany?
Nargiza first came to Germany for a few months as an au pair. This allowed her to get to know Germany and improve her German language skills. She learned German herself at the beginning, mainly by watching TV, reading the newspaper and talking to others. It wasn't easy at first, but she managed it and now speaks German very well.
Recognition of their training
Nargiza thinks that the nurse training in Uzbekistan is very good and that she was very well prepared for her work in Germany. Before she could work in Germany, she first had to have her training recognized. The application for recognition is made from Uzbekistan. In Germany, you then have to attend a course and take an exam. After the exam, Nargiza was able to work as a nurse straight away.
What is it like to work in Germany?
Nargiza likes many things about her work in Germany. These include the better medical technology, the good equipment in the hospitals and the good salary. She also appreciates the many opportunities for further training that she regularly receives.
At first, however, it was unusual for a nurse in Germany not only to do medical work, but also to help patients with eating, dressing, washing and changing diapers. She first had to get used to this.
In the future, Nargiza would like to take on more administrative tasks and possibly also become a team leader. She is preparing for this through appropriate further training.
What is life like in Germany?
Nargiza feels very much at home in Germany today. She says that the people here are honest and direct. She particularly likes the working conditions and the salary. She also enjoys the free time and the vacation she gets here. Nargiza sometimes even feels more like a German and can well imagine growing old in Germany.
What are the biggest challenges?
Even though Nargiza likes her work very much, she would like to point out that working in nursing can sometimes be physically and emotionally demanding, especially in large hospitals. The challenges include working in shifts, dealing with serious illnesses and the death of patients or the strain of staff shortages.
Good teamwork and a positive attitude to work are important!
Tips from Nargiza for you
Learn German as well as possible. Preferably up to B2.
Be prepared to help patients with everything - including personal care.
Collect all the documents from your training and work experience. You will need these for recognition in Germany.
Nargiza's message for you
Nargiza is glad that she made the move to Germany. It wasn't always easy, but she has been given many new opportunities here - both professionally and privately. She would take this step again at any time.
We hope that Nargiza's story will encourage you and help you to prepare well. If you have any questions, the linqado team is always here for you!
Best wishes and all the best,
Your linqado team