As a healthcare professional, being able to speak a second language not only enhances the delivery of care for patients who speak primarily in that language—it can also improve one’s career prospects.

Imbibed with the Southville International School and Colleges’ (SISC) commitment to develop graduates to become lifelong learners, the College of Nursing officers took the opportunity to explore the launching of the Sagittarius Language Academy Inc. This venture was conceptualized and now being managed by EDI Staffbuilders International Inc., C&C Human Resource Development GmbH, and Pro Civitate GmbH.

Last April 23, together with key officers from varied national government agencies, representatives from the Germany, Austrian, Czeck Embassies and local nursing professional organizations were treated to a tour of their newly converted facility in Cabuyao, Laguna.  All the guests were given a glimpse of how Filipino registered nurses who have chosen to be certified and work in Germany are now being prepared to immerse in learning the second language.

The German Labor market declares that 84,000 nurses are missing until 2020, according to the Rheinisch Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung. Until 2030, the gap will be over 200,000 nurses.

Currently in the facility, more than 64 registered nurses from all over the Philippines were chosen and are now on board as full-time students embarked on a six to 10 month-long intensive German language studies taught by certified teachers who are German nationals. The final goal is for each candidate to be able to reach a B1 level proficiency and pass an examination prior deployment in varied healthcare facilities in Germany.

The whole event was pleasantly congenial which ended with cocktails and a formal dinner. It presented another  opportunity for our SISC nursing graduates who will opt to enter the global nurse workforce. – CAV