Before working in Holland as a nurse or caregiver

Before you decide to go to the Netherlands to work as a nurse or caregiver, it is important to know a few things. With this information we want to help you to get started in the Netherlands as well as possible.

1. EQF/NLQF
In Holland the qualifications for healthcare are according to the NLQF (Netherlands Qualification Framework) and these are equal to the EQF (European Qualification Framework). There are 6 levels, level 5 is reserved for options in the future.

Level 1: Caregiver / helper / assistant
Level 2: Caregiver / helper
Level 3: Caregiver Individual Care
Level 4: Nurse
Level 6: Nurse with bachelor degree in nursing (BDN)
Level 7: Nurse specialist with master degree in nursing (MDN)

2. Language
In practice it appears that people want to work in the Netherlands without any knowledge of the Dutch language. In healthcare the language is very important for communication with clients and colleagues. That is why an employer will only hire people with a minimum language level of Dutch A2. A minimum language level B1 is required for working in functions at NLQF level 4 and above. More about learning Dutch

3. Diploma
For all NLQF levels a diploma is required.

4. Registration
No official registration is required for working at NLQF levels 1 to 3.
Registration is required for working at NLQF levels 4 to 7. For this registration there are 2 things needed:
– an official certificate of language level Dutch B1
– an officially recognized diploma
Some diplomas are on a list and are automatically recognized. If the diploma is not on the list, a manual check takes place.
If you think you have a level EQF 4 or higher we can do a precheck.

Steps and options

However not always obliged, in practice for all NLQF levels knowledge of Dutch is required. So for all working levels you need to start with learning Dutch language. Nursework is an agency and not a language institute. Of course we also like you to work in the Netherlands so learning the language is a common goal.

If you have a diploma NLQF 4 or higher you have 2 options:
1. if you have reached Dutch language level A2 you can start to work in Holland at a lower level. After starting you can continue learning Dutch to a B1 level and after reaching this level start working on a higher level/different position.
2. start working after you reached the B1 level Dutch.

In practice option 1 is the best. It is a good way to learn the medical system in Holland, to learn the culture and of course improve the Dutch language.