I am Esmee, a qualified nurse from the Netherlands and have been living in Switzerland for almost 4 years

I live and work in Bern and currently work in the orthopaedic department at Sonnenhofspital. Since this year, I have also been working as a recruiter at Swiss HRmed, which makes me very happy!

The languages I speak are Dutch, English and German. At the hospital, I can now also communicate in French.

What kind of training did you receive in your home country?

I completed my Bachelor's degree in the Netherlands at the Hanzehogeschool in Groningen, which is similar to the FH program here in Switzerland. My course lasted 4 years (8 semesters), has 240 ECTS, and I completed three six-month internships. You do the internships in different areas of nursing that match the year of study. After completing the nursing degree, you receive the title: Bachelor of Nursing.

What kind of work ethic are you used to? Do you recognize differences and/or similarities with working in Switzerland?

I am used to working in a team that focuses on the patients. Clear communication and giving and receiving feedback are important here. It is personal responsibility to keep your skills up to date and thus make an active contribution to the quality of care. Having an assertive attitude and striving to provide effective and efficient care is valued.

One thing they have in common with Switzerland is the pursuit of high-quality care that adheres closely to regulations and puts the patient at the center. However, it should be noted that the Netherlands is more innovative in its thinking and has a stronger focus on efficiency in healthcare.

One difference is the workload. In the Netherlands, there are fewer hands at the bedside, so the workload has increased considerably in recent years. This could jeopardize the quality of care. In Switzerland, this is handled better because more time is available for care, and I experience more satisfaction among staff and patients.

What personal and/or typical characteristics from your culture do you take with you and are an advantage for the Swiss healthcare system?

Apart from the fact that the Swiss find the Dutch very likeable, being Dutch also has the advantage that I learned the German language quickly. It makes communication much easier, even in dialect, and brings you closer to your colleagues and patients.

What's more, the Dutch composure in Switzerland is definitely an advantage and a nice counterpart to the Swiss precision and velvetiness.

The quality training, additional knowledge and advanced experience of Dutch nurses are highly valued in Switzerland. This, combined with the mentality of working with heart and not complaining, makes us Dutch people a very suitable addition to the Swiss healthcare system.

What contribution has Swiss HRmed made to your career?

I came across Swiss HRmed after receiving a tip from a friend. I then contacted Brigit and asked if she could help me with the job search and emigration process. I had contacted several Dutch placement organizations, but I felt like a number and these organizations only wanted to make money out of me, while I was about to give up my whole life in the Netherlands and had more priorities than just making money.

Swiss HRmed, based in Switzerland, invested time and personal attention in me. They listened to my wishes and also helped me with accommodation, insurance and residence permits when I arrived in Switzerland. Another big advantage was that Swiss HRmed only has an intermediary role and you then become an employee of the hospital.

A look back:
How were you received in Switzerland and what has your work in Switzerland brought you to date?

My advantage was that I already had Dutch friends here in Bern and had moved here with my husband, so I wasn't completely alone. The first few months were pretty tough: a different language, new surroundings and a different culture. My Swiss colleagues made a lot of effort to make me feel at home, they spoke High German with me and I had a six-month induction process with a fixed contact person. What also helped me a lot was that the team consisted of up to 9 different nationalities, so I didn't feel like a stranger and felt the recognition of my other foreign colleagues.

But the Swiss are more reserved than the Dutch. They don't invite you to go somewhere with them so easily and keep private and work life separate anyway. It takes time to build a relationship with a Swiss person. Fortunately, there are many different nationalities in Bern, including many Dutch people, so you automatically look for each other to exchange experiences. I now have a very large circle of Dutch friends here, with whom we explore the whole of Switzerland and do lots of fun things. And the Swiss contacts? They're here now too. And they are a very nice addition, because they give you even more insight into Swiss customs and culture.

A look into the future:
What are your plans and ambitions here in Switzerland?

I don't plan too much, I just see what happens. I've been working for Swiss HRmed since this year and try to pass on my experience and knowledge to others who are also thinking about working in Switzerland. There's nothing better than sharing your enthusiasm and helping others at the same time.

My ambition is to alternate work with travel even more and to enjoy every moment.
My motto: work hard, but enjoy it even more!