From Brazil to Germany Raquel’s journey

Raquel, a dedicated nurse from Brazil, took a bold step in 2016. With the support of TalentOrange, she learned German and moved to Germany to take on a new professional challenge. Today, she works successfully in the intensive care unit at Bürgerhospital in Frankfurt am Main and has since also become a practice supervisor.

In Brazil, Raquel completed a demanding nursing degree at the Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO). The five-year program includes theoretical courses and extensive hands-on experience in hospitals. Students acquire in-depth knowledge of anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing practice. Despite this intensive training, the working environment in Brazil is often difficult. Despite her qualifications, Raquel did not always feel she was treated with respect—neither by doctors nor by patients. Hospitals are often underfunded and overstretched, which leads to poor working conditions. Nurses frequently work long shifts with few rest breaks, and the equipment does not always meet modern standards.

The difficult working conditions and low pay in Brazil are common reasons why many nurses look for better opportunities abroad. For Raquel, Germany offered not only better working conditions and higher salaries, but also the appreciation she had often missed in Brazil. In Germany, nurses cover a broad range of responsibilities, including patient care and administrative tasks that are often handled by nursing assistants in Brazil.

The first months in Germany were not easy for Raquel. She had to adjust to a new country and a foreign language. Starting work was challenging, especially since the role of the profession in Germany is structured differently than in Brazil. But over time, Raquel got used to the new environment and appreciated the support of her colleagues, who helped her learn German quickly and further develop her skills.

Raquel does not regret her move to Germany at all. She has found her calling in nursing and loves helping other people. Her story represents many Brazilian nurses who find a new home in Germany and make their professional dreams come true. There are currently numerous talents from Brazil in our language courses who could start working in Germany at the beginning of 2025.