Training as a qualified nursing specialist HF - Interview with a "taster"

Saskia, what made you decide to consider the profession of qualified nurse HF as your initial training?

It was a process that developed steadily. I had always enjoyed science at school and had also taken it as an honours course. I was completely absorbed in this subject and could never get enough of the content. After school, I didn't know what to do. There is such a wide range of opportunities and so I decided to simply try out various things and get away from school for a while.

I had fun with all the different things I tried, but it wasn't quite what I was looking for. I realised that I wanted to be active and get some exercise. However, with all the jobs, I missed the connection to science and the intensive contact with people. After talking to a friend who was doing an apprenticeship as a FAGE EFZ, I realised that the nursing profession had everything I was looking for. That's why I've now set out and started the process of finding out whether nursing is really what I want to do. And so far, I think it is.

How did you go about looking for an apprenticeship?

First of all, I did some research on the Internet and found out which training programmes start when. And then I looked at where I wanted to apply and got started.

You only had one week to gain an insight into the profession of qualified nurse HF. Were there any highlights? Or did you also discover any stumbling blocks?

The absolute highlight was working with the team. I was surprised at how great I was in the team this week and how comfortable I felt. I was immediately accepted into the team and became a member of it. That's what I take away with me the most: a great working atmosphere in the rest of the hospital too. You greet each other in the lift, have a quick chat, even if you don't know each other. It feels like a community where you work together, and I think that's great.

I didn't notice any real stumbling blocks. What I do realise, however, is that you have to be very strong in the social field. Because you also meet people and patients who are different. Maybe they think very one-sidedly or are stubborn or unfriendly and get loud, so you have to have the inner strength to deal with that. I think it's important to have a good distance to these issues. In teamwork, it's also important that things work together, you can't be a lone wolf.

What is most important to you at your future training centre?

That I am well guided and get a good grounding in how things work and what the rules are, and that I am accompanied until I am stable in them. Varied and colourful and that I am challenged. I always want to be given new challenges.

In addition to practical training in a hospital, school and LTT (learning transfer training) are equally important. What are your thoughts when you think about theoretical training?

I think of a guided structure and a great deal of independence in learning. You are given a direction, but you have to contribute and follow it yourself to keep up. But I also expect them to be competent people who enjoy imparting knowledge to young people themselves. I hope that my head will be full of things that I can use and put into practice. I hope to be taught as much as possible.

What do you think is important to have in your rucksack to start training as a qualified nurse HF?

Enjoy working together, enjoy working in a team, enjoy coming into contact with lots of new people. Being open to strangers. Approach people without judgement and immerse yourself in the situation before forming an opinion. You have to enjoy being active, because you're already out and about all day, I've realised that this week. You have to be able to deal with the fact that you have different working hours. You need to have a sense of socialising and enjoy talking to people and looking after them. It's a give and take.

Do you have any tips for others who are interested in this profession and a corresponding apprenticeship?

Make sure you allow enough time. I underestimated how long the process takes until you are really in a position where you can continue. The process takes a long time. I would have loved it if someone had told me that. And otherwise, just going for it and trying things out, that's what got me the furthest.

How did you experience the application process (invitation to interview, interview, aptitude test, second interview, etc.)?

Everything was actually very positive. It was made very clear to me how it would work, a clear structure that worked. In other words, I didn't have to worry about anything going wrong. However, I was surprised by the long process, but I sensed that there was interest in me. I realised that people were approaching me and that I wasn't standing in front of walls where I had to make myself heard and shout "Hello, I need something". I didn't feel left alone.

Is there anything final to say?

Simple really: DON'T GIVE UP! Something always comes round the corner to help you. Even if it doesn't work out at the beginning or you had other ideas or you had something else in mind, always keep an open mind and stick with it, there will always be someone who can help you. I have realised that I can trust that I will find something and get there if I keep an open mind.

Thank you very much Saskia for your honest and informative information.

P.S.: We are delighted that Saskia has now decided to train as a nurse at Bethesda Hospital: We look forward to welcoming her soon.

Are you as enthusiastic and curious as Saskia?

Then become part of the #Bethesdateam and get in touch with us - we offer insights into everyday working life in the following professions:

• Healthcare specialist EFZ
• Nursing specialist HF
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• Cook EFZ
• Expert in anaesthesia nursing NDS HF, dipl.