Innovative Training Program for Aspiring Nurses
On March 1, 2026, a unique nursing training program commenced at the Helios Education Center in Cuxhaven, welcoming 15 students from two African nations: Morocco and Cameroon. This initiative was born out of the increasing number of applications from international candidates, as explained by Nursing Director Jörg Schulte. The program creates a mutually beneficial situation; it not only aids the hospital in cultivating skilled professionals but also provides young individuals with promising career prospects in a new environment.
The recruitment process, in collaboration with Helios Integration Management, received an overwhelming response, with 200 to 300 applications submitted. Interviews were conducted via video, enabling the selection of a cohesive group. A crucial requirement for applicants was proficiency in the German language, with many candidates possessing certificates at the C1 level, indicating a high degree of fluency.
Challenges and Opportunities in a New Environment
Mariana Oceane Metueno Fotue and Ariane Toukem Mbapoundou, two of the students, recount their experiences upon arriving in Cuxhaven. Although they only met in Germany, both had previously laid the groundwork for their journey by participating in internships and language courses. Johanna Chrapek, the integration officer at Helios Clinic Cuxhaven, emphasizes the significance of their decision to leave everything behind for a life in an unfamiliar culture. To facilitate a smoother transition, the program has intentionally focused on these two nationalities, fostering a sense of familiarity among the students.
While Johanna managed immigration paperwork and secured work permits, Teris Machado Chatzieleftheriou, the head of the education center, organized the new training cohort and addressed the associated pedagogical challenges. The newcomers bring a diverse range of experiences, including high school diplomas, vocational training, and higher education. Currently, they are engaged in a six-week theoretical training block, after which they will be anchored at designated “anchor stations” for practical training, ensuring they have support throughout their educational journey. Schulte notes the importance of an intercultural environment within the workforce, highlighting the sector's commitment to a welcoming culture.
Living arrangements for the trainees are structured as shared accommodations to provide a sense of security and comfort right after their arrival. Johanna Chrapek assists with bureaucratic processes, introduces them to the city, and facilitates regular group discussions while monitoring their emotional well-being. When Ariane expresses her motivation and becomes emotional, Johanna is quick to provide comfort and support.
Ariane's motivation stems from a deeply personal experience involving her mother’s severe illness, during which a nurse provided exceptional support. She reflects, "It is more than just a profession; it’s about being there for people in their most critical moments." She is confident that Helios will equip her with the necessary tools for this vital role. Similarly, Oceane has made a conscious decision to pursue her training in Germany, drawn by the practical focus of the program compared to theoretical instruction in Cameroon, as well as the internationally recognized standards that open doors for global opportunities. She also aims to pursue further qualifications as a nursing manager or anesthetist post-training.
For both students, this new beginning represents a path toward independence. Oceane specifically chose Cuxhaven over Salzgitter, where her mother, also a nursing professional, resides. Excited about life by the sea, she expresses her eagerness to broaden her horizons in this vibrant locale. This new training group complements the two classes that began their nursing education at Helios on August 1, 2025, comprising 44 students. Helios primarily trains its own professionals for its facilities in Cuxhaven and Nordenham, as well as for partner organizations such as local outpatient care services and nursing homes. The generalized nursing training program has unified the education of all nursing professions.
As reported by cnv-medien.de.
