Pflegefachfrauen

Pflegefachfrauen are professional nurses in German-speaking health systems who provide comprehensive nursing care for individuals and groups across settings. They assess health status, develop and implement care plans, administer medications and treatments, monitor outcomes, educate patients and families, and coordinate with physicians and other health professionals. They advocate for patients, support autonomy, and promote safety and quality of care.

Education and qualification: Pflegefachfrauen complete a recognized nursing qualification that authorizes professional practice. In Switzerland, for example, the standard pathway is the Pflegefachfrau EFZ, a federally recognized apprenticeship, typically three years. In Germany and Austria, similar pathways exist, ranging from vocational training to higher education routes such as bachelor-level programs. After qualification, ongoing professional development is required, and practice is governed by national or cantonal/state regulations and professional codes of ethics.

Work environments: They work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, home healthcare, and community settings. Roles can include frontline direct care, care coordination, leadership and supervision in teams, and specialized areas such as intensive care, emergency services, geriatrics, palliative care, and rehabilitation.

Regulatory context: The profession is regulated to protect patient safety; licensure or registration is typically required, with standards set by professional associations and health authorities. The term Pflegefachfrauen reflects the gendered linguistics of German; inclusive language increasingly uses Pflegefachpersonen to refer to the profession as a whole.