Preparation for an interview for nursing

training in Germany
Please note that these questions and answers serve as a general example and should be adapted
depending on individual circumstances and experiences. It is also important to prepare for specific
questions related to the German healthcare system and nursing education.

Question 1: Can you introduce yourself?

• Name, age, family situation, hobbies

Question 2: Why do you want to work as a nurse? What are your ambitions?

• interested in nursing since youth, have experienced a lot of it through family/friends,

relatives (grandparents cared for?)
• Offers a unique opportunity to help others and have a positive impact on their well-being
and health
• fulfilling and rewarding career working closely with patients and their families and supporting
them through difficult times

Question 3: Why are you interested in nursing education in Germany?

• The German healthcare system has an excellent reputation

• The quality of the German healthcare system is high with advanced standards of care
• I want to develop my skills and knowledge in a professional environment
• Nursing education does not cost money, while education in India is very expensive
• The pay after finishing the training in Germany is very good compared to India
• If necessary, tell about friends and acquaintances who are already in Germany and can
provide additional support
• Special features of Germany: cultural diversity, openness, multicultural society

Question 4: Do you already have experience in healthcare or nursing?

• Yes, I already have experience in health care

• In my home country, I have worked as a nurse's aide (or cared for relatives) performing basic
nursing tasks such as caring for patients, administering medications, and assisting with
activities of daily living
• Internship?

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Question 5: What personal qualities do you bring to nursing education?

• Compassion, empathy and a strong sense of responsibility

• Patience, empathy and have the ability to remain calm under pressure
• I am also team oriented and have strong communication skills, as working with other
professionals is an important part of nursing

Question 6: What challenges do you see in nursing education and how would you handle them?

• One challenge could be managing the workload and balancing theoretical instruction and
practical experience at the same time
• To deal with this, I would develop a structured schedule, set my priorities, and seek support
from my instructors and classmates as needed

Question 7: How do you handle difficult situations and stressful work environments?

• In difficult situations, I remain calm and focused

• I try to look at the situation from different perspectives and ask for advice or help when
necessary
• I take care of my physical and emotional health by exercising regularly, getting enough rest,
and using stress reduction techniques

Question 8: How would you describe yourself? What are your strengths?

• dedicated, reliable and willing to learn

• good with people and create a supportive environment
• flexible and adaptable, which helps me adapt to new situations and work effectively

Question 9: What are special features of Indian nursing cultures compared to Germany?

Indian nursing culture has some special features that may differ from German nursing culture. Here
are some points that should be noted:

• Family involvement
o In India, family involvement plays a major role in caregiving. It is common for family
members to take on the responsibility of caring for sick or elderly relatives
• Respect for the elderly
o In Indian culture, a high level of respect is traditionally shown to older people
• Spiritual and religious aspects
o Caregivers may be asked to consider and incorporate religious rituals or practices
into their care
• Multiculturalism:
o India is a diverse country with different cultures, languages, and traditions. In
nursing, nurses must be able to deal with a wide range of cultural backgrounds and
adapt their care accordingly.
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 • Hierarchical structures
o In Indian society, there is often a pronounced hierarchy, which can also have an
impact on nursing care
• Importance of mindfulness and caring
o In Indian culture, great importance is placed on mindfulness and caring for others
o This may be reflected in an empathetic and compassionate approach to care

Question 10: What do you know about the healthcare system in Germany?

• High quality, all-inclusive care, good social security for the population
• Two main types of health insurance: statutory health insurance (GKV) and private health
insurance (PKV).
• Patients have the right to freely choose their doctor and can consult a wide range of medical
professionals
• Hospitals offer a comprehensive range of medical services and treatments.
• The German healthcare system places great emphasis on high-quality medical care. There
are strict standards and quality assurance measures in place to ensure patient safety and
quality of treatment.
• The health care system promotes preventive health care and prevention through vaccination
programs, early detection examinations and public health campaigns
• Prescription of medicines is done by doctors and the cost is covered by health insurance

Question 11: What is the structure of nurse training in Germany?

• Nurse training in Germany was reformed in 2020 and is now known as "Pflegefachfrau /
Pflegefachmann" (nursing specialist)
• The training usually lasts three years, but can be shortened or extended under certain
circumstances
• During training, trainees attend a vocational school or a nursing school, where they acquire
theoretical knowledge and skills
• Trainees also complete practical assignments in various healthcare facilities such as hospitals,
nursing homes or outpatient care services
• The training covers various areas of nursing, including nursing, pediatric nursing and geriatric
nursing
• At the end of the training, trainees take a final state examination, which consists of a written,
oral and practical part
• After completing their training, nurses have the opportunity to further develop their skills in
various specialties by specializing in certain areas, such as intensive care, pediatric and
adolescent nursing, or psychiatric nursing

Question 12: What are your expectations of us or the hospital?

• safe working environment in which their health and safety are guaranteed
• appropriate working conditions

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• availability of protective clothing and equipment and measures to prevent occupational
accidents and diseases
• appreciative and respectful treatment by supervisors, colleagues and management
• open communication, recognition of achievements and the opportunity to contribute
opinions and ideas
• opportunities for professional development and continuing education
• opportunities for professional development and advancement within the hospital
• Positive team culture and a good working relationship with colleagues and other
professionals in the hospital

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