Educational approach

Our communicative approach to education is a firm cornerstone of our teaching concept. As much of the teaching content is primarily fact-based, we aim to involve students in the learning process predominantly through work in small groups using an andragogical method involving the use of dialogue (e.g. subject-specific teaching stations). One of the overriding objectives of this process is to encourage students to act independently when it comes to nursing.

Outcomes are presented back to the class in individual/group presentations. Speakers can obtain feedback which will allow them to directly improve their performance. They’ll learn to work as a group, give joint feedback and deal with criticism. This collective learning experience will improve students’ self-awareness as nurses, broaden their areas of nursing activity and encourage them to be motivated.

Core teaching focuses

Our teaching concept has been developed with the primary objective of preparing nursing staff trained abroad for the theoretical examination required to work in Germany (as per section 40, paragraph 3 of the Pflegeberufegesetz (Law governing nursing professions)). Teaching content and design comply with the German Pflegeberufegesetz. The overriding objective is to provide nursing staff with up-to-date knowledge which enables them to work within healthcare facilities as an independent nurse who possesses the ability to self-reflect and act based on subject-specific expertise.

Here at the DPP, candidates will have the opportunity to build on their professional skills so that they are as prepared as they can be to take the theoretical examination. This involves a central focus on practically implementing the knowledge acquired by taking part in case studies. The concept underpinning our practical seminars was developed together with leading nursing and scientific experts and is based on the latest specialist knowledge, backed up by evidence.

Our lessons combine theory (e.g. basic knowledge on the structure of the human body, physiology and pathophysiology, as well as the impact disease has on humans) with practical exercises (e.g. basic nursing methods, preventative treatment etc.). Students will be actively involved in both general and specific nursing processes, patient education and disease-specific coping methods, allowing them to follow and make positive contributions to the patient recovery process.

Skills

Specific core competencies come under different areas of expertise used as the umbrella concept. The various capabilities to be acquired correspond to different skill levels (levels of nursing, for example) which need to be achieved. These are included in a detailed teaching plan and are mainly used to indicate that teaching content has been relayed correctly and that the student has followed a continuous process of reflection.

The team at GNA shares specialist know-how, broadened to include the necessary psycho-social skills, which are, in this case, human skills (e.g. social skills such as consideration, respect, cooperation and fairness), intercultural skills (e.g. greetings, eating/drinking habits) and methodological skills (e.g. structured research, organisation and presentations).

The student’s ability to communicate will be the determining factor of their learning success in each individual area of expertise, besides their cognitive and practical abilities. We require nursing students to have an adequate command of the language (B2 level), as well as the ability to combine theory with practice and communication as part of their day-to-day nursing routine. Our students will also be able to put their team-working skills and ability to handle conflict in a day-to-day clinical environment to the test in simulated crisis situations.

Our nursing students will learn the basics of nursing documentation and formal, clinical communication in German healthcare facilities. By using clinical documentation systems (software) / documentation tools, our students will achieve basic document reliability and also learn about the legal and theoretical aspects of obligatory documentation. There’ll also be the opportunity to practice using specialist nursing terminology, an element which is strictly necessary for an understanding of the nursing profession.

Nursing

Our educational concept has been designed around day-to-day nursing practice and the associated nursing procedures. In addition to learning about theory, the students will also receive specific instruction on how to use nursing techniques and how to perform basic nursing tasks. During both theoretical and practical training, top priority is given to developing an understanding of what the nursing profession involves in terms of dealing with ill individuals, or those in need of care.

The issues of self-identity, one’s own understanding of one’s role as a nurse and identification with the nursing profession are discussed and reflected on during the group learning process. To this end, it is important to consider ethical principles (e.g. consideration, respect and cooperation) and the matter of gender-appropriate care. The curriculum covers traditional nursing tasks, but is also designed so that nursing staff will be able to hold consultations and confidently provide patients with disease-specific explanations.

Cultural diversity

In addition to professional competencies, we consider the issue of socially integrating nursing staff following their immigration to be one of the main challenges dealt with as part of the training we provide. Our aim isn’t for our nursing staff to simply assimilate or adapt, rather, we strive to achieve cultural diversity in the long term, whereby staff can preserve their cultural and social independence as far as is possible.

Through education, we aim to introduce and raise awareness of the concept of “Living Together in Germany” among all those active in the nursing sector. Multicultural awareness is our goal. As such, our nursing students will familiarise themselves with the cultural specifics and customs of their new place of residence, such as greetings, eating/drinking habits and socially acceptable behaviour, among other things.

In addition to everyday habits and customs, our nursing students will also learn about the characteristics and structure of the German healthcare system and, more specifically, about hospitals, e.g. hospital hierarchies, staff appraisals, case conferences, health and safety regulations etc. A discussion will then be held with teachers and peers to talk through other differences / similarities in a nurse’s daily routine.

Concentrated seminars (project days) are held to help students consolidate what they’ve learnt and work through it in detail in intensive sessions. These events serve to aid group processes and refine students’ social and emotional competencies.

Questions?

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by email.

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