# Nurses Pathway to work in Finland - Savonia AMK

> The “Nurses Pathway to work in Finland” project is a collaborative initiative involving five universities of applied sciences to support internationally educated nurses in obtaining professional licensure.

## Project Overview
The “Nurses Pathway to work in Finland” project is a collaborative initiative involving five universities of applied sciences (UAS). It has worked with 125 nurses from 30 different countries. The training lasted an average of 12 months, and 70.4% of participants completed the program.

Before this project, individuals who completed nursing education outside the EU/EEA faced significant barriers to working in Finland. They were often required to repeat their nursing education, as there were no sufficient study programs available to supplement existing skills, and non-degree students could not access necessary practical training. The qualification process was complex and difficult to navigate independently.

## Project Goals and Implementation
The project aimed to provide guidance and support for the Valvira (National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health) licensing process, Finnish language acquisition, competency assessment, skill enhancement, and the evaluation of pilot programs. Key areas of skill supplementation include:
* Pharmacology and calculations
* Clinical nursing
* The Finnish social and healthcare system
* Individual skill enhancement based on specific needs

## Language Proficiency and Training
Valvira requires an intermediate level of Finnish (grade 3, CEFR level B1). However, even those who pass the General Language Proficiency Test (YKI-testi) may lack the specific health-sector vocabulary required for clinical work. 

To address this, the project developed Finnish language materials tailored to healthcare, covering levels A2, B1, and B2. Savonia UAS provides online courses titled “Finnish in Health Care 1, 2 and 3.” 

### Training Pathway
* **Language Agreement:** Nurses establish a language agreement before training to help workplace instructors understand their current proficiency and support needs.
* **Evidence-based Practice:** Nurses familiarize themselves with healthcare-related portals such as *Terveysportti*.
* **Professional Integration:** The training emphasizes understanding the Finnish service system and the responsibilities of a nurse.
* **Competency Exam:** At the end of the studies, candidates must pass a national competency-based exam.

## Development of Learning Materials
Savonia UAS led the development of high-quality, web-based learning materials. The project utilized "Easy Finnish" (a simplified form of the language) for levels A2 and B1 to ensure accessibility. The online courses include nearly 50 scenarios featuring audio, dialogues, and texts focused on spoken nursing interactions with patients, families, and colleagues.

## Project Outcomes
In the Savonia UAS pilot:
* 21 students were admitted.
* 6 dropped out due to personal reasons.
* 10 graduated in December 2024.
* 1 graduated in June 2024.
* 4 are continuing their studies as of early 2025.

## Project Partners and Funding
The project is funded by the Service Center for Continuous Learning and Employment (JOTPA) and coordinated by Laurea UAS. Partners include:
* Laurea UAS
* Savonia UAS
* Turku UAS
* Tampere UAS
* Oulu UAS

The project concludes in March 2025. Future development will continue through the SAILA 1 and SAILA 2 projects, coordinated by Metropolia UAS.

## Authors
* **Sema Tuna Torunoglu**, Teacher (sema.tunatorunoglu@savonia.fi)
* **Merja Natunen**, Nursing Teacher and Project Manager (merja.natunen@savonia.fi)
* **Kukka-Maaria Raatikainen**, Senior Lecturer in Finnish Language and Communication (kukka-maaria.raatikainen@savonia.fi)

## References
1. Raatikainen, K-M., Markoff, E. Natunen, M. 2024. [Selkokieli kehittyvän kielitaidon tukena terveysalan ammattisuomen verkko materiaaleissa.](https://www.savonia.fi/artikkelit/selkokieli-kehittyvan-kielitaidon-tukena-terveysalan-ammattisuomen-verkkomateriaaleissa/)
2. Raatikainen, K-M., Markoff, E. Natunen, M. 2024. [Laillistuvan sairaanhoitajan harjoittelut selkeällä kielellä.](https://www.savonia.fi/artikkelit/laillistuvan-sairaanhoitajan-harjoittelut-selkealla-kielella/)
3. Raatikainen, K-M., Natunen, M. 2024. [Ulkomaisen tutkinnon suorittaneille sairaanhooitajille kehitetään uutta laillistamisväylää.](https://www.savonia.fi/artikkelit/ulkomaisen-tutkinnon-suorittaneille-sairaanhoitajille-kehitetaan-uutta-laillistamisvaylaa/)
4. Raatikainen, K-M. 2024. [Oppimisanalytiikka terveysalan suomen oppijoiden verkkokursseilla.](https://www.savonia.fi/sosiaali-ja-terveysala/oppimisanalytiikkaa-terveysalan-suomen-oppijoiden-verkkokursseilla/)
5. Selkokeskus 2023. [Easy Finnish.](https://selkokeskus.fi/in-english/easy-finnish/)
6. Tiikkainen, L. 2024. Sairaanhoitajaksi Suomessa loppuwebinaari.
7. [Yleissairaanhoitajan (180 op) osaamisvaatimukset ja sisällöt.](https://blogi.savonia.fi/ylesharviointi/2020/01/15/yleissairaanhoitajan-180-op-osaamisvaatimuslauseet-ja-sisallot-julkaistu/)