North Rhine-Westphalia's Ombuds Office helps nursing trainees resolve conflicts fairly

The Ombuds Office for Nursing Education was set up in 2020 under the Nursing Profession Act. Based at the Münster District Government, it provides free, confidential support for nursing trainees in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its aim is to resolve disputes early and help trainees complete their education without disruption. The office acts as an independent mediation body for conflicts between trainees and training providers or nursing schools. Trainees can reach out to have their case recorded and passed to an ombudsperson for potential solutions or mediation. All proceedings remain voluntary, with no legal binding force on any recommendations made.

Prof. Dr. Barbara Knigge-Demal has served as an ombudswoman since the office’s creation. She played a central role in its establishment and development. The current team includes Brigitte von Germeten-Ortmann, Ludger Risse, Thomas Kreutz, and Kerstin Schönlau, all appointed for a four-year term.

Beyond individual cases, the office identifies structural challenges in nursing education. It then initiates improvements to address these issues. Ombudspersons work on a voluntary basis, bringing professional expertise and years of experience to their consultations and mediations. North Rhine-Westphalia will maintain this out-of-court mediation service for the next four years. The new ombudspersons are now in place to continue supporting trainees. Their work ensures disputes are settled fairly and education can proceed without unnecessary delays.