Helping international nursing professionals stay: Ivo talks to care konkret

In the current issue of the trade magazine care konkret (issue 28/29, 10 July 2026, Vincentz Network Verlag), our Managing Director Ivo Straßenburg spoke with Ilgın Seren Evişen (Ankaadia GmbH) about what sustainable integration in nursing really means today, and why international professionals sometimes leave early.

The difference happens before arrival

In the conversation, Ivo makes clear that integration doesn't begin at the airport, it begins long before, in the country of origin. What matters is building trust early, through honesty, reliability and consistency from the very first contact. Dedicated integration managers accompany the entire process and remain trusted contacts for professionals over the years.

What facilities that retain their professionals do differently

Successful facilities create clear responsibilities for integration: dedicated contacts within the team, active language support even during working hours, and deliberate opportunities to connect outside of shifts. Just as important: professionals' qualifications must be recognised and put to proper use.

What should become easier politically

Ivo would like to see simpler, nationally consistent procedures for recognition and visas, currently, requirements and processes differ substantially from state to state. At the same time, he calls for greater public attention to a genuine culture of staying, since Germany depends on international professionals for the long term.

The full interview, "Helping international nursing professionals stay", was published in care konkret, issue 28/29 (10 July 2026). Questions by Ilgın Seren Evişen, Ankaadia GmbH.