The stroke unit is a place where acute situations, gratitude and small steps forward come together. Sophie has completed her training as a stroke nurse and gives us an insight into the responsibilities, tasks and importance of specialised care in stroke treatment.
Sophie began her professional career in 2017 with training as a healthcare and nursing professional at Helios Klinikum Aue. Even during her practical placements, she was enthusiastic about working in the stroke unit – a specialised ward where stroke patients are cared for in the acute phase. After successfully completing her training, she remained loyal to the hospital. In 2023, she continued her training to become a practice instructor, and in 2025 she completed her training as a stroke nurse. We talked to her about her everyday work, which combines specialised care, acute situations and a great deal of empathy.
Working in the stroke unit is really special because it combines specialist knowledge, thematic work and humanity. Every stroke is different. I am always impressed by how crucial our nursing work is, especially for the course of the disease. Further training was an important step for me in deepening my knowledge and enabling me to provide even more targeted support to patients in the acute phase.
This includes specialised observation and care of stroke patients in the acute phase, carrying out and monitoring diagnostic and therapeutic measures, and working closely with the medical and therapeutic team. An important part of the job is also supporting patients and their relatives during this difficult time.
The stroke nurse training programme lasts around six months and is divided into a theoretical and a practical part. The focus is on care and various nursing concepts such as Bobath and kinaesthetics. In addition to 40 hours of practical training in a certified stroke unit, there are many practical teaching units in which theory and practice are closely linked.
Bobath concept:
A nursing and therapeutic approach for people with neurological disorders such as stroke. The aim is to initiate specific movements, improve perception and control of the affected side of the body and thus promote independence step by step. Every nursing action, from repositioning to dressing, is used therapeutically.
Kinaesthetics:
A concept for the conscious design of movement. Caregivers accompany patients in such a way that they can perform movements themselves as much as possible. This strengthens mobility and body awareness, supports rehabilitation and at the same time relieves the caregiver.
For me, the most important quality is empathy. Many people experience a stroke completely unexpectedly. They are torn from their independent lives and suddenly find themselves dependent on help to varying degrees. This naturally causes fear and uncertainty. That is precisely why, in my view, it is not only professional competence that is needed, but above all empathy, patience and appreciation. Team spirit also plays an important role, because only when we work well together as a team can we offer our patients the best possible care and safety.
Our team consists of nurses, doctors and therapists from the fields of speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. We also hold regular joint handover meetings, where we exchange information and agree on further goals for each patient.
There are many situations that leave a lasting impression. Above all, it is the gratitude that patients show us time and time again. Often, a glance or a smile is enough, because many are no longer able to express their thanks in words. And it is also simply wonderful to see, for example, when a patient's walking improves from one day to the next. It is the small steps forward that leave a lasting impression and make me happy. These moments give me strength and show me how valuable our work is.
It's a special feeling because, in moments like these, quick and coordinated action is what counts above all else. Every move counts, and you realise how well the team works together. Everyone is working towards a common goal. That gives you an incredible amount of energy and shows how important this work is.
It is a demanding but very meaningful profession. Especially in the stroke unit, you see how much influence your work has on patients' lives, and that is very motivating. You need to be resilient, enjoy working in a team and, above all, be willing to learn. I think that if you have these qualities, you will definitely find not only exciting tasks, but also an opportunity to make a difference and grow personally.