International Nurses’ Integration in Germany: A Viewpoint on Global Health Equity and Public Health Resilience

Abstract

The integration of international nurses into German hospitals, long term care facilities and acute care units will continue to be vital in supporting and maintaining healthcare in Germany. As such, we believe that their incorporation into the German healthcare system should be viewed as both a means of responding to the current Labor Market Needs but also as a public health equity and resilience strategy. Utilizing data from governmental reports, international policy documents, and research in the area of migration and health, the findings indicate that simply recruiting international nurses will not ensure retention, continued safe practice, ethical governance of the workforce, nor a sense of professional belonging. Although Germany is experiencing nursing shortages, its nursing density rate is at a comparative level above many other developed countries. Additionally, it is evident through available data that foreign trained nurses represent an increasingly large proportion of the overall nursing workforce. Therefore, given these trends, there appears to be a need to shift from solely focusing on the recruitment of nurses to focusing on how best to integrate them into the German workforce. To achieve effective integration, it would be necessary to develop a set of metrics including recognition times, retention rates, workplace inclusion and participation and measures designed to protect against discriminatory practices. Furthermore, providing opportunities for career advancement and ensuring some degree of accountability by the country of origin would further enhance the ability to effectively utilize international nurses within the German healthcare system. By viewing international nurses as equal partners in the provision of healthcare and not just temporary staffing solutions, Germany can create culturally competent care delivery systems that promote both workforce sustainability and equitable global health partnerships.