Pursuing Nursing: Justifying the Value
In a significant stride towards academic advancement and professional recognition, nursing studies in Germany have witnessed a transformative shift. The University Hospital Tübingen, a pioneer in this movement, launched nursing sciences as a model project in 2018 and integrated them into the regular study program in 2020 [1].
The nursing bachelor's degree program in Tübingen, offered jointly by the Medical University Clinic Tübingen and the University of Applied Sciences Esslingen, spans seven semesters and encompasses 2,300 hours of practical training, equivalent to real patient care in a traditional apprenticeship [2].
While direct information about Tübingen's nursing studies or research activities is not extensively documented, the broader trend in German nursing education and practice is towards academic advancement, professional specialization, and stronger links between research and clinical nursing. This evolution has positively influenced nursing practice by promoting higher standards of care, integrating new knowledge into everyday clinical settings, and fostering a culture of continuing education and practice improvement [1][3].
Cornelia Mahler, director of the Department of Nursing Sciences at the University Hospital Tübingen, shares a positive outlook on the impact of these developments. She predicts that the traditional nursing training will remain a central pillar in Germany, but the rise of academic degrees such as bachelor's and master's programs in nursing science and advanced practice will enhance the professional qualification of nurses [4].
Mahler also notes that graduates of nursing studies are often given more demanding tasks and can expect higher salaries [4]. However, she acknowledges that tensions may arise in clinical practice due to university education, but these occur less frequently [5].
In Austria, the employment of academic nursing staff is the norm, but in Germany, traditional nursing training will continue to be a significant aspect, according to Mahler [6]. This is reflected in the fact that nursing studies are now available at ten locations across Germany, offering education up to the bachelor's and master's degrees [1].
The increased academic integration and professional recognition in nursing studies has led to improved clinical nursing skills and leadership capabilities, contributing to better patient care outcomes [3]. It has also stimulated increased research activity in nursing, often affiliated with university hospitals, leading to evidence-based practice improvements [3].
Moreover, programs facilitating professional recognition for international nurses are being developed, supporting workforce integration and standards harmonization [3]. This international recognition of German nursing studies is evident, with many countries considering nurses with a university degree as the norm [7].
Despite these advancements, Germany is still far from the Science Council's goal of having 20 percent of nursing professionals with an academic education [8]. To pursue a nursing bachelor's degree program in Germany, applicants must possess the general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) [9].
Maria Abrantes, a student in the nursing bachelor's degree program at Tübingen, shares a positive view of her experience [10]. She and her fellow students are paid the same as apprentices in a nursing school, reflecting the growing recognition and value placed on academic nursing education [11].
In conclusion, the advancements in nursing education and practice in Germany, exemplified by the University Hospital Tübingen, are shaping a new era for nursing professionals. Through academic degrees, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration, nursing studies in Germany are fostering higher standards of care, integrating new knowledge into clinical settings, and promoting a culture of continuing education and practice improvement.
- The transformative shift in nursing studies in Germany, as exemplified by the University Hospital Tübingen, encompasses learning in health-and-wellness, education-and-self-development, and science, aiming to promote higher standards of care and integrate new knowledge into everyday clinical settings.
- The nursing bachelor's degree program in Tübingen, which spans seven semesters and includes 2,300 hours of practical training, focuses on medical-conditions, science, and learning, preparing nurses for more demanding tasks and higher salaries.
- The increased academic integration and professional recognition in nursing studies in Germany have also led to improvements in research activities, particularly in medical-conditions, contributing to evidence-based practice improvements and fostering a culture of continuing education and practice improvement.
