A Nursing experience (Germany & Britain compared)

In draft

I was able to have a good discussion with a German nurse of 50 years. She was a fully qualified nurse in Germany and then came to the UK 17 years ago where she was only able to get a job as a carer since her German nursing qualifications did not count here. She did then attain her UK nursing certification and registration and was then able to work as a nurse. 

What was interesting about this was her experiences of the two different countries comparing the styles of care.

1. In Germany there are no carers or healthcare assistants. Everyone is a qualified nurse so the patient always receives direct professional care, first line. This means if an emergency happens at the bedside there is no delay in proper treatment. In Britain the carer would have to call a nurse so causing a delay. Note: the upward chain of command to the consultant was more direct.

2. The quality of the food in Germany was far superior and nutritious. In Britain there were very little greens given in meals where as this was a priority in Germany.

3. In Germany if someone went to the Doctor they would be referred to a single appointment where they would every investigation or test done that day which would be followed up with a treatment plan for that patient by the consultant (expert). Not, as in Britain, an initial appointment in 3 weeks, then a follow up 3 months later then finally a consultant appointment in 6 months say.                                                                - this was mirrored in mental health where a patient was seen, assessed and a therapy plan made, where is in the UK they may be referred on to a counsellor before being properly assessed.

4. In Germany all nurses are trained in kinesthesiology. She had a comprehensive 10 year training in this. The technique comes originally from the theatre and study of dance and movement. It analyses how the body moves, the factors that influence movement and the physiological, anatomical, bio mechanical, and neuro-physiological principles involved. The technique involves practically moving the patient, say from the floor to a bed or into a chair, starting with the head and working through the whole body, and the patient is held close to the body of the nurse which provides stability as well as warmth and reassurance, whilst ensuring that the patient feels secure in mind and body. 

The absolute benefit of this is that the nurses in Germany do not suffer from the endless back problems that British nurses endlessly suffer from.    

On beginning her career as a carer in the UK she found this difference hard to reconcile. It was completely alien to her to have to use straps or a hoist or anything mechanical to move a patient around.                        - ( she did end up using this technique on a patient. A colleague reported her, and she was accused of breaking the health and safety rules, and ended up before a tribunal. She won this case and did keep her registration and went on to work as a nurse and finally a mental health nurse for many years.)