The Work Placement Period Familiarises International Nurses with the Finnish Healthcare System

Thirty international nurses are completing qualification studies aimed at obtaining nursing licensure in Finland through the Nursing Pathway project at Kajaani University of Applied Sciences. As part of their studies, a work placement period is carried out to develop and complement the initial level of competence of the international nurses.

The nurses in the qualification program have completed a nursing degree outside the EU and EEA areas, and they have work experience in the field. To obtain licensure to work as a nurse in Finland, they supplement their skills to meet the Finnish degree requirements. The studies include practical training – the work placement period.

– The objectives of the work placement period focus on familiarising students with the nurse’s job description and the social and healthcare service system, as well as strengthening Finnish language skills, says Project Manager Terhi Kukkonen from Kajaani University of Applied Sciences.

The work placement periods in summer and autumn 2025 were implemented using a model in which two weeks were guided practical training, and five weeks were spent working as part of the unit’s regular staff. Because the implementation method was new, training sessions were organised for the placement units before the period began.

– When a student’s native language is other than Finnish and they have an international background, language and cultural awareness become emphasised in supervising the work placement period. Language learning can be supported, for example, by giving clear, step-by-step instructions and encouraging the student to actively use Finnish, Kukkonen explains.

A survey was conducted to gather experiences of the work placement period

A survey was conducted among students, work placement supervisors and managers to gather experiences of the qualification nurses’ placement periods. Supervisors and managers consistently highlighted the students’ good motivation, clinical competence, and friendly, professional attitude towards patients and colleagues. On the other hand, the students’ developing level of Finnish language skills was seen as a challenge.

– We will develop the work placement period based on the responses. In the future, the guided part of the period will be extended, and the exchange of information between parties before the start of the training will be increased, Kukkonen says.

Students also discussed their experiences in small groups, reflecting on factors that support the achievement of learning objectives. They summarised the qualities of a good placement unit as follows: “A good placement unit is safe and non-discriminatory, and student supervision is continuous.”

– However, these qualities are not always realised during the work placement period. For example, a student may have had to change teams frequently during the period, or work was not carried out in pairs. In future periods, supervision will focus on ensuring that Finnish language learning objectives are realistic and better aligned with the student’s starting level and the duration of the studies. This will help ensure that the work placement period does not become overly burdensome and that the student’s motivation remains high, Kukkonen notes.

Overall, the placement units, managers, colleagues, and especially the students’ designated supervisors received abundant positive feedback and thanks from the students. The friendliness and helpfulness of colleagues were seen as excellent factors that supported learning and adaptation to the team. The managers’ active role in agreeing on practical arrangements at the start of the training, in orientation, and in planning training shifts was considered important.

Special praise for exemplary supervision of international students’ placements went to the nurses of Suomussalmi Health Centre Hospital and the acute home hospital. The designated supervisors’ inclusive, active and friendly approach, attention to Finnish language learning objectives and enabling, solution-focused attitude were highlighted. A thank-you coffee event was organised for the unit in December.

The Nursing Pathway project, co-funded by the European Union, builds qualification pathways for foreign social and healthcare professionals to ensure that nurses trained abroad can access the Finnish labour market as smoothly as possible.

Further information:
Project Manager Terhi Kukkonen, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, terhi.kukkonen@kamk.fi, +358 40 182 4794
Nursing Pathway project