This ranges from carrying out the care assessment (initial assessment) through to planning, organising and implementing care measures, right through to reviewing the results and documenting them. Communication with the team and other professionals is very important. Within the interdisciplinary team, you take on professional responsibility, act in an advisory capacity and fulfil your role as a mentor. Professionalism and human values such as empathy, compassion and sharing in others’ joy characterise your varied day-to-day work. Supporting relatives is also part of your role.
Prerequisite
- A 3-year vocational apprenticeship or a qualification from a Fachmittelschule or Matura
- For students whose first language is not German: C1 language level, confident command of spoken and written German
Requirements
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Flexibility and patience
- Physical and mental health
- Ability to cope with pressure
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Organisational skills
- Assertiveness
- Manual dexterity
- Willingness to take on responsibility
- Willingness to work at weekends, in the evenings and at night
Education
The three-year training programme begins in November and January respectively and concludes with the federal diploma as a Pflegefachfrau/Pflegefachmann HF. HF stands for Höhere Fachschule. The practical part of the training takes place mainly at Zuger Kantonsspital, whilst the theoretical part is held at the XUND Training Centre in Lucerne (with the programme split equally between the two). Work placements in other specialisms, such as home care (Spitex), rehabilitation, psychiatry or postnatal care, are possible, some of which take place at partner institutions. For Fachfrauen/Fachmänner Gesundheit, the training programme can be shortened to two years.
A day in the life of an HF trainee
What is your day-to-day routine like during your training?
"Practical and classroom-based training alternate in blocks of 4–5 months. During the practical placement, students care for patients according to their level of training. They are supervised by a qualified Pflegefachfrau. The classroom-based part consists of lessons in fixed classes, lectures in the lecture theatre or self-study."
What did you find particularly challenging during your training?
"In our profession, we are often confronted with people who are seriously ill. Dealing with life and death, with pain and difficult circumstances, is a major challenge, but one that is also deeply rewarding. The irregular working hours require a high degree of flexibility. The level of independence and initiative required, both during training and in practice, can also be demanding."
Why did you decide to train as a Pflegefachfrau HF?
"I was ready to take on additional tasks and greater responsibility in day-to-day nursing care, and to contribute even more to providing the best possible care for our patients through my dedication and knowledge. This further training gives me the foundation I need to play a key role in managing and leading the nursing process in the future."
Opportunities for development
- Work in various healthcare institutions such as acute care hospitals, care homes for the elderly and nursing homes, and home care services
- Specialisation in a particular field (e.g. intensive care, anaesthesia, emergency care, palliative care, diabetes counselling)
- Management
- Vocational training
- A degree in nursing science
Nursing placement
Would you like to gain an in-depth insight into the day-to-day life of a nurse before choosing a career? You can find information about the nursing placement here.
Application
Für eine Bewerbung benötigen wir folgende Dokumente:
- Cover letter explaining your motivation
- CV with photograph
- Copies of all upper secondary school reports
- Copies of upper secondary school reports (e.g. from a vocational college), including proof of qualification
- FaGe: Copies of training reports
- Proof of a taster apprenticeship (except for FaGe)
- For applicants whose first language is not German: a copy of proof of language level C1 (European Language Portfolio)
We prefer online applications – it’s very straightforward and is the quickest route to success for both you and us. You can easily upload your supporting documents, such as your CV and cover letter, in all standard formats. We look forward to receiving your application via the online form.
