German citizen with BSN from US; What is required to be a nurse in Germany?

babyNP., APRN · Feb 5, 2011

Are you in the military? Military spouses get preference over civilians living in Germany at the hospital.

dr k · Feb 5, 2011

I'm not in the military... My wife is fluent in English and German (obviously).

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Feb 7, 2011

I've heard that in order to work in a US Military base one must be a US citizen. I haven't checked that out but you may want to try. She may also want to get in touch with the Board of Nursing over there to get the process started. Good Luck

dr k · Feb 7, 2011

What about working in a german hospital? What does she need to do for that?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Feb 7, 2011

What about working in a german hospital? What does she need to do for that?

try doing a search because there are a few threads from last year I think that discuss what to do for Germany.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Feb 7, 2011

Along with fluency in German, your wife will need to be able to read and write in German. With no experience as an RN, may be hard to find a position.

Later posts describe working conditions in Germany -- try contacting some of last posters. https://allnurses.com/international-nursing/german-nurses-anywhere-6952.html

German Nursing Association

dr k · Feb 8, 2011

My wife IS German, so she has fluency in speaking, writing, etc. Thanks for the link. I have been having trouble finding specific info in other posts. In this situation, it is a german national with a BSN from the US who needs to get licensed in Germany. All the other posts are in regards to nonEU people.

Thanks for your help.

*for those that are concerned about my username: I am a DC or Doctor of Chiropractic... :yeah:

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Feb 8, 2011

AN Mod Team invites your wife to participate here... I'm constantly learning something from our members.

Best wishes with your move to Germany,

Silverdragon102, BSN · Feb 8, 2011

I think she will find getting sorted will be the same because she trained outside Germany

njk76 · Feb 14, 2011

I just stumbled over this post and realized that I am the subject of this thread. :rolleyes:

Anyway, I have several concerns regarding nursing in Germany. First, I completed a RN-BSN degree in the U.S. via an accelerated nursing program which took a total of 13 months. Although it is fully recognized here as a valid degree equivalent to the traditional BSN program, I have doubts that Germany will accept it as such. But I guess I will have to go through the proper channels to find out.

Secondly, I understand that I will have to jump through several hoops to get my degree recognized; however, I am still burned out mentally, emotionally and financially. Just the thought of going back to school to reiterate the same nursing curriculum makes me want to cry. Also, the financial aspect scares because I have to pay back my American student loans and really can't afford to pay for the same education again.

Thirdly, I keep hearing and reading not so good things about the nursing profession in Germany. They are over-worked, under-paid and not appreciated. These conditions make it especially hard for me to get motivated.

I have mixed feelings about the move to Germany. It might be good on a personal level, but professionally it is going to be a challenge.

Mona77 · Feb 28, 2011

Hi,

contact the appropriate regional board, they will explain what documents are needed to assess your nursing education.

If you are moving to Munich:

http://www.regierung.oberbayern.bayern.de/aufgaben/umwelt/humanmedizin/ausbildung/

I am currently working in Germany, but will leave Germany for Yukon.

If you have questions considering working conditions, feel free to contact me.