Nursing graduates ceremoniously farewell: A new phase of life begins!

Nursing graduates ceremoniously farewell: A new phase of life begins!

On August 11, 2025, the graduates of the general nursing training and the one-year training as nursing assistants at the Barmwärme Brüder Hospital St. Barbara in Schwandorf celebrated their graduation. This ceremony was not only a milestone in their careers, but also an opportunity to celebrate what the graduates have achieved in recent years. A total of 20 participants took part in this celebratory event, which both recognized achievements and looked into the future.

The training covered a wide spectrum - from medical knowledge to practical action to human contact. The generalist training, which lasts three years, prepares graduates to care for people of all ages in various care areas. The one-year assistant training, on the other hand, is often seen as a springboard for further professional development in the nursing sector, increases responsibility in basic care and opens up new perspectives.

Highlights of the celebration

Nursing director Frank Hederer gave a moving welcoming speech and compared starting a career with getting on a bus – full of new opportunities and challenges. This speech prepared those present for the next steps in their careers. Katja Pippel, the acting headteacher, also warmly thanked the school team and highlighted the support that the graduates received during their training.

As part of the celebration, the song “Angel without Wings” was performed, which symbolizes the quiet greatness of the nursing staff. The handing over of certificates was also celebrated, at which the best graduates were honored: Raphaela Schart from the three-year training and Margot Wagner from the one-year training received special recognition. Representatives of both classes also reflected on their shared experiences and the valuable time they had spent together.

Insight into the future

The pleasing fact that you don't need a special degree to gain a foothold in the healthcare industry underlines the wide range of training options. The German nursing portal offers a wealth of information on training in nursing, therapy and social work, which makes access to these professions easier. Generalist nursing training, which was introduced in January 2020, gives graduates the opportunity to work in different areas of nursing and to specialize in various areas.

The legal regulations in the Nursing Professions Act (PflBG) ensure that absences during training can be taken into account in order to make it easier to take the exams. This means that trainees can integrate absences of up to 10 percent into their timetable and must ensure that the hours they work meet the minimum requirements in order to be admitted to the exam here.

Schwandorf graduates now assume responsibility not only for the people they care for, but also for the entire healthcare system. Given the challenges facing the care industry, these young professionals have a special role and important tasks. With a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills, they are well equipped for their commercial and social responsibilities.