Generalist nursing training

The generalization combines the previous nursing professions into a uniform occupational profile "nursing specialist". The legal basis for this is the Nursing Professions Act (PflBG) and the Training and Examination Ordinance (PflAPrV). The state examination is based on the competencies defined there - they are the common thread for the curriculum, teaching, practice and examination.

The five areas of generalist competence - briefly explained

The competencies are divided into five areas. They specify what trainees should be able to do at the end - regardless of the field of application (acute, long-term, outpatient, pediatric, geriatric).

1. Nursing processes & nursing diagnostics
   Responsibly plan, organize, implement, control and evaluate nursing care in acute and long-term care situations (incl. nursing diagnostics, documentation, evaluation).
2. Communication & counseling
   Design interactions with patients, relatives and teams in a person- and situation-oriented manner - incl. health counseling, de-escalation, participation.
3. Intra- and interprofessional action
   Cooperation within nursing and with other professional groups (doctors, therapies, social work), including clarification of roles, interfaces, instructions.
4. Law, ethics & framework conditions
   Reflect on and justify own actions on the basis of laws, regulations and ethical guidelines (e.g. duty of confidentiality, consent, patient safety).
5. Science, quality & profession
   Justify actions in an evidence-based and quality-assured manner; reflect on professional ethical values; further develop the profession (EBP, QM, reflection).

Note: The expert commission in accordance with Section 53 PflBG updates the framework plans regularly (at least every five years). The practical framework training plans were last adapted in November 2023 - important for schools and practitioners.

Why the 5 areas of competence are crucial for recruiting & selection

• Tailor-made profiles: Teaching and practice roles (nursing education teacher, practice supervisor, course leader, skills lab) must cover the five areas didactically and practically - otherwise there will be gaps in the learning field curriculum and in OSCE/skills training.
• Exam relevance: The state examination tests precisely these competencies - selection and development of the college should be mirrored against this.
• Quality & compliance: Competence areas 4 (law/ethics) and 5 (EBP/QM) are key levers for patient safety, governance and school development - and therefore for accreditation, audits and provider compliance.

Areas of competence in practice - how do we recognize "fit"?

• KB 1 - Nursing process/diagnostics: case understanding, prioritization, nursing diagnoses, action planning, intersectoral handovers; confident in documentation & evaluation.
• KB 2 - Communication/counseling: target group-oriented explanation, motivational interviewing approaches, culturally sensitive communication, conflict and crisis discussions.
• KB 3 - (Inter-)professional: team leadership in the learning setting, interface management, implementing medical orders safely, role modeling.
• KB 4 - Law/ethics: GDPR/duty of confidentiality, consent, recognizing liability traps, ethical case work (e.g. coercion, self-determination, child welfare).
• KB 5 - Science/Quality/Profession: Evidence transfer in teaching/simulation, OSCE standards, error culture, quality circles, evaluation.

Kontrast Personalberatung Our services for the nursing industry as well as research, education and teaching in nursing science

Executive & direct search for educational and training-related functions - combined with active sourcing and target group-oriented personnel marketing.

Applicant management & pre-screening: structured interviews, case assignment/teaching sample, mapping to KB 1-5.

Selection process (legally compliant): competency-based assessment, documentation along PflAPrV competencies, GDPR-compliant.

Onboarding & curriculum consulting: alignment of teaching loads, practical phases, skills lab/OSCE; establishment of quality circles.