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Language Proficiency and Its Impact on Albanian Nursing Professionals in Germany: A Qualitative Inquiry

Received: 2 January 2024    Accepted: 12 January 2024    Published: 1 February 2024
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Abstract

This study aims to explore the language proficiency challenges faced by Albanian nursing professionals working in Germany and identify key competencies that could be enhanced in nursing education to prepare nurses for international employment. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study delves into the personal experiences of Albanian nurses in Germany, drawing insights from their narratives to inform future educational strategies. The increasing globalization of healthcare services necessitates a proficient workforce capable of operating in diverse linguistic environments. This study focuses on Albanian nurses in Germany, a demographic facing unique language-related challenges. The research questions guiding this study are: 1. What are the language proficiency challenges encountered by Albanian nurses in Germany? 2. Which competencies should be cultivated in nursing professionals, particularly for overseas employment? A qualitative research design was implemented, involving guided interviews with 20 Albanian nursing professionals currently working in Germany. This method was chosen to gain in-depth insights into the personal experiences and perceptions of these nurses. The interview guide comprised standardized, open-ended questions to allow for comprehensive narratives. The interviews were conducted over a period of three months, ensuring a diverse range of experiences. The narratives were transcribed and analyzed thematically, focusing on identifying common challenges and competencies mentioned by the participants. The findings reveal a spectrum of language-related challenges, including communication barriers with patients and colleagues, and the impact of these challenges on professional practice. Additionally, essential competencies such as cultural sensitivity, language adaptability, and technical medical terminology in a foreign language were identified as crucial for overseas employment. The study underscores the importance of integrating comprehensive language training and cultural competency modules into nursing education, particularly for nurses intending to work abroad. The narratives highlight the need for targeted language preparation tailored to the specific medical context.

Published in International Journal of Education, Culture and Society (Volume 9, Issue 1)
DOI 10.11648/ijecs.20240901.14
Page(s) 27-35
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Nursing, Professional Language, Linguistic, Foreign Language

References
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[8] Gjuzi Bushi, Jonida (2021): “Difficulties and particularities during translating from German into Albanian using the example of medical texts”, conference prooceedings TWELFTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON: “SOCIAL AND NATURAL SCIENCES – GLOBAL CHALLENGE 2021” (ICSNS XII-2021) Berlin, Germany, https://iipccl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ICSNS-XII-Berlin.pdf.pdf
[9] Gjuzi, Jonida/ Kristo, Ema (2023): Didactics of intercultural communication and business German language In: „Academic Journal of Business, Administration, Law and Social Sciences Journal“, Vol. 9 E-ISSN 2410-8693 ISSN 2410-3918, https://sciendo.com/issue/AJBALS/9/2
[10] Kuhn, Christina (2007): Fremdsprachen berufsorientiert lernen und lehren. Kommunikative Anforderungen der Arbeitswelt und Konzepte für den Unterricht und die Lehrerausbildung am Beispiel des Deutschen als Fremdsprache [Learning and Teaching Foreign Languages with a Professional Orientation. Communicative Requirements of the Working World and Concepts for Teaching and Teacher Training Using German as a Foreign Language as an Example]. Jena: Digitale Bibliothek Thüringen.
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[13] Schaeder, Burkhard (1994): Fachsprachen und Fachkommunikation in Forschung, Lehre und beruflicher Praxis [Specialized Languages and Professional Communication in Research, Teaching, and Occupational Practice]. Siegener Institut für Sprachen um Beruf (SISIB). Band 54. Essen: Die blaue Eule.
[14] Schön, Almut/Schrimpf, Ulrike (2010): Fachkommunikation in der Medizin – Konzeption und Durchführung von Kommunikationskursen und ELearning im Bereich „Fachsprache Medizin“ mit interkulturellem Fokus [Specialized Communication in Medicine – Design and Implementation of Communication Courses and E-Learning in the Field of "Medical Language" with an Intercultural Focus]. In: German as a Foreign Language Journal 2010 (1), S. 49–70.
[15] TELC GmbH (2015): Rahmencurriculum und Handbuch Deutsch Pflege [Framework Curriculum and Handbook for German in Nursing]. Frankfurt am MainWeimann Sandig, N./Weihmayer, L./Wirner, L. (2016): Quereinstiege in Kindertagesbetreuung und Altenpflege. Ein Bundesländervergleich. Düsseldorf (= Study der Hans-Böckler-Stiftung 335).
[16] Rocco, G., Affonso, D. D., Caruso, R., Duka, B., Giardina, B., Notarnicola, I., … & Stıevano, A. (2021). Nursing in albania: a catalytic force in transforming health professionals and health care. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 53(4), 479-489. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12655 https://scite.ai/reports/10.1111/jnu.12655
[17] LIGJI Nr. 80/2015 për arsimin e lartë dhe kërkimin shkencor në institucionet e arsimit të lartë në Republikën e Shqipërisë” [LAW No. 80/2015 on higher education and scientific research in institutions of higher education in the Republic of Albania] https://www.unitir.edu.al/images/dokumenta/Legjislacion/Ligj_80-2015_22.07.2015.pdf
[18] Weimann-Sandig, N./Weihmayer, L./Wirner, L. (2016): Quereinstiege in Kindertagesbetreuung und Altenpflege. Ein Bundesländervergleich [Career Transitions in Child Daycare and Elderly Care. A Comparison of Federal States]. Düsseldorf (= Study der Hans-Böckler-Stiftung 335)
[19] Rodewald, R./Funk, T./Sowa, K. (2006): Ausbildungspotenzial Berliner Gesundheitswirtschaft: Expertise [Training Potential in the Berlin Healthcare Industry: Expertise]. Berlin: SPI Consult GmbH
[20] Deutsches Institut für angewandte Pflegeforschung (DIP) (2014): Abschlussbericht zum Projekt „Regionale Fachkräftesicherung in den Pflegeberufen“, erstellt im Auftrag des rheinland-pfälzischen Ministeriums für Arbeit, Soziales, Gesundheit und Demografie (MSAGD) [German Institute for Applied Nursing Research (DIP) (2014): Final Report on the Project "Regional Skilled Workforce Security in the Nursing Professions," prepared on behalf of the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, and Demography (MSAGD)], Deutsches Institut für angewandte Pflegeforschung e.V., Köln: 1–52.
[21] Beschluss der Gesundheitsministerkonferenz/ Kultusministerkonferenz (2015): Gemeinsamer Bericht der Gesundheitsministerkonferenz und der Kultusministerkonferenz Fachkräftesicherung im Gesundheitswesen“ (Beschluss der Kultusministerkonferenz vom 12. Juni 2016 und Beschluss der Gesundheitsministerkonferenz vom 24./25. Juni 2015) [Decision of the Conference of Health Ministers/Conference of Ministers of Education (2015): Joint Report of the Conference of Health Ministers and the Conference of Ministers of Education "Skilled Workforce Security in the Healthcare Sector" (Decision of the Conference of Ministers of Education dated June 12, 2016, and Decision of the Conference of Health Ministers dated June 24/25, 2015)]: 1–46. www.kmk.org/fileadmin/Dateien/ veroeffentlichungen_beschluesse/2015/
[22] Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend (BFSFJ) [Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth.] (2012): Ausbildungsund Qualifizierungsoffensive Altenpflege 2012–2015: Vereinbarungstext. www.bmfsfj.de/bl ob/78146/5f4dafc7d5dcae799ea59c0fd534c239/ vereinbarung-ausbildungs-und-qualifizierungsoffensive-data.pdf
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  • APA Style

    Bushi, J., Neçaj, L. (2024). Language Proficiency and Its Impact on Albanian Nursing Professionals in Germany: A Qualitative Inquiry. International Journal of Education, Culture and Society, 9(1), 27-35. https://doi.org/10.11648/ijecs.20240901.14

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    ACS Style

    Bushi, J.; Neçaj, L. Language Proficiency and Its Impact on Albanian Nursing Professionals in Germany: A Qualitative Inquiry. Int. J. Educ. Cult. Soc. 2024, 9(1), 27-35. doi: 10.11648/ijecs.20240901.14

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    AMA Style

    Bushi J, Neçaj L. Language Proficiency and Its Impact on Albanian Nursing Professionals in Germany: A Qualitative Inquiry. Int J Educ Cult Soc. 2024;9(1):27-35. doi: 10.11648/ijecs.20240901.14

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  • @article{10.11648/ijecs.20240901.14,
      author = {Jonida Bushi and Ledi Neçaj},
      title = {Language Proficiency and Its Impact on Albanian Nursing Professionals in Germany: A Qualitative Inquiry},
      journal = {International Journal of Education, Culture and Society},
      volume = {9},
      number = {1},
      pages = {27-35},
      doi = {10.11648/ijecs.20240901.14},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/ijecs.20240901.14},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.ijecs.20240901.14},
      abstract = {This study aims to explore the language proficiency challenges faced by Albanian nursing professionals working in Germany and identify key competencies that could be enhanced in nursing education to prepare nurses for international employment. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study delves into the personal experiences of Albanian nurses in Germany, drawing insights from their narratives to inform future educational strategies. The increasing globalization of healthcare services necessitates a proficient workforce capable of operating in diverse linguistic environments. This study focuses on Albanian nurses in Germany, a demographic facing unique language-related challenges. The research questions guiding this study are: 1. What are the language proficiency challenges encountered by Albanian nurses in Germany? 2. Which competencies should be cultivated in nursing professionals, particularly for overseas employment? A qualitative research design was implemented, involving guided interviews with 20 Albanian nursing professionals currently working in Germany. This method was chosen to gain in-depth insights into the personal experiences and perceptions of these nurses. The interview guide comprised standardized, open-ended questions to allow for comprehensive narratives. The interviews were conducted over a period of three months, ensuring a diverse range of experiences. The narratives were transcribed and analyzed thematically, focusing on identifying common challenges and competencies mentioned by the participants. The findings reveal a spectrum of language-related challenges, including communication barriers with patients and colleagues, and the impact of these challenges on professional practice. Additionally, essential competencies such as cultural sensitivity, language adaptability, and technical medical terminology in a foreign language were identified as crucial for overseas employment. The study underscores the importance of integrating comprehensive language training and cultural competency modules into nursing education, particularly for nurses intending to work abroad. The narratives highlight the need for targeted language preparation tailored to the specific medical context.
    },
     year = {2024}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Language Proficiency and Its Impact on Albanian Nursing Professionals in Germany: A Qualitative Inquiry
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    AU  - Ledi Neçaj
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    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2575-3363
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/ijecs.20240901.14
    AB  - This study aims to explore the language proficiency challenges faced by Albanian nursing professionals working in Germany and identify key competencies that could be enhanced in nursing education to prepare nurses for international employment. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study delves into the personal experiences of Albanian nurses in Germany, drawing insights from their narratives to inform future educational strategies. The increasing globalization of healthcare services necessitates a proficient workforce capable of operating in diverse linguistic environments. This study focuses on Albanian nurses in Germany, a demographic facing unique language-related challenges. The research questions guiding this study are: 1. What are the language proficiency challenges encountered by Albanian nurses in Germany? 2. Which competencies should be cultivated in nursing professionals, particularly for overseas employment? A qualitative research design was implemented, involving guided interviews with 20 Albanian nursing professionals currently working in Germany. This method was chosen to gain in-depth insights into the personal experiences and perceptions of these nurses. The interview guide comprised standardized, open-ended questions to allow for comprehensive narratives. The interviews were conducted over a period of three months, ensuring a diverse range of experiences. The narratives were transcribed and analyzed thematically, focusing on identifying common challenges and competencies mentioned by the participants. The findings reveal a spectrum of language-related challenges, including communication barriers with patients and colleagues, and the impact of these challenges on professional practice. Additionally, essential competencies such as cultural sensitivity, language adaptability, and technical medical terminology in a foreign language were identified as crucial for overseas employment. The study underscores the importance of integrating comprehensive language training and cultural competency modules into nursing education, particularly for nurses intending to work abroad. The narratives highlight the need for targeted language preparation tailored to the specific medical context.
    
    VL  - 9
    IS  - 1
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Author Information
  • Department of German Language, Faculty of Foreign Languages, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Technical Medical Sciences, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania

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