[Comparison of expectations and competencies of USA and German nursing students]

This study is concerned with the impact of job expectations and job competence in the development of burnout. In an intercultural and longitudinal comparison expectations of job competence of US and German nursing students are investigated by means of half-standardized interviews at the end of their training. First results indicate that American nursing students regard themselves as better prepared for job reality with respect to job competence and theoretical training than German nursing students. On the other hand, they report distinct deficits of their practical training. These results are discussed against the background of the different training courses in the USA and in Germany. Prognoses for different courses of burnout processes are given which have to be tested in future investigations of the longitudinal study.