Success story of Nadiia Kaminska
I am 53 years old and came to Hamburg with my family from Ukraine in March 2022. In my home country, I completed training as a nurse and then studied pharmacy. For many years, I worked both as a nurse in surgery and as a pharmacist. Since March 2025, I have been working in the gastroenterology department of the Asklepios Westklinikum, where I am completing the recognition procedure as a nurse.
My start in Hamburg
Like many people from Ukraine, my journey has not been easy. My younger son and I were taken in by relatives who have been living in Hamburg for over 30 years. During my first few days in Hamburg, I often felt down because my eldest son was unable to come to Germany with us and I felt like I was a burden on my relatives. But the biggest hurdle was learning the German language. At first, German sounded like birdsong to me – beautiful, but incomprehensible.
The HWC organised a place for me on a language course, and just having a clear plan again helped me enormously. Yes, I am 53 years old and had to learn a whole new language, but thanks to daily German lessons, I have achieved a great deal. My learning process was slow, but with every new word I began to understand more.
Despite the pain of losing loved ones and daily difficulties, I continue on my path. I am independent and free again – and I can help other people who are going through a difficult phase in their lives.
My personal tip for anyone starting out
Life is unpredictable. Sometimes you suddenly have to leave your home country and move to another country. This changes not only your location, but also who you are as a person. My own motto now is: ‘We have to accept reality and move on, continue to develop ourselves.’
I advise newcomers to learn German every day – to repeat what they have learnt and keep expanding their knowledge. I know that many people are afraid to speak German for fear of being laughed at. But you have to speak anyway – first with simple sentences, then with more complex ones.
It is also important to visit museums, exhibitions, parks or sports clubs, as this not only helps you learn the language, but also reduces stress and brings more joy into your life. Hamburg is a wonderful city, full of surprises and discoveries.
My path to the job: How the HWC made it easier for me to get started
When I arrived in Hamburg, I was uncertain and at a loss. I had medical training and a degree in pharmacy, but I didn't know how to get my qualifications recognised. My goal was to work as a nurse again. Then a relative recommended the HWC to me.
I received a warm welcome there, and a Russian-speaking employee even helped me describe my professional situation. An employee from the Jobcenter at the HWC worked with me to draw up a clear plan for my next steps. That helped me a lot!
First, I attended an integration course, followed by the B2 course for healthcare professions, which I successfully completed despite considerable challenges. At the same time, the Central Recognition Office (ZAA) helped me to start the recognition process as a nursing professional. Another team, the Labour Market Service, helped me prepare my application documents for the German job market. During this time, I also attended job fairs and employer events organised by the HWC.
At a job fair for health and nursing, I came into contact with the Westklinikum Asklepios and applied there as a nurse. After an interview and trial days, I finally received an employment contract. I am now completing the practical part of my recognition there and the theoretical part at an academy at the same time. My goal is to be able to work as a fully recognised nurse in Germany by the end of 2025.
I am proud that I have a job and that I can now communicate with my patients and help them.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has helped me during this difficult time in my life! It is very, very important to feel the support of professionals. It gives me security and prevents me from making wrong decisions and experiencing disappointment as a result. Because a person's mental state is particularly important in difficult times.
What the HWC means to me
Please note: This is a translation of the interview. It was originally conducted in German.
Did this story give you courage?
The Hamburg Welcome Center is a central point of contact for all matters relating to professional integration for people who are immigrating or have immigrated to Hamburg, as well as for companies and employers.