PMU alumnus Dr. Peter Nydahl awarded the “German Nursing Prize 2024”
For his exceptional contributions to intensive care nursing, nursing science, and the development of nursing practices, PMU alumnus PD Dr. rer. hum. biol. Peter Nydahl was recently awarded the German Nursing Prize 2024, the highest national honor in nursing, by the German Nursing Council (DPR).
“Through his extensive work in intensive care and his scientific contributions, Dr. Nydahl has made significant advancements in nursing practice. His research on early mobilization, delirium management, and intensive care diaries has had a lasting impact, improving the quality of care in intensive care units. His name is inextricably linked to these advancements,” said Christine Vogler, President of the German Nursing Council, in recognition of Nydahl's committment.
After completing his training as a registered nurse at the University Hospital Kiel, Dr. Nydahl specialized in intensive care nursing and developed innovative concepts to support and rehabilitate critically ill patients. His research is widely recognized both nationally and internationally, driving practical improvements in nursing care.
“Dr. Nydahl excels in combining scientific expertise with practical application to enhance the quality of life for patients,” Vogler emphasized. “He pays particular attention to the families of intensive care patients and consistently considers the needs of both patients and healthcare providers. His work is a model for the professionalization of nursing and underscores the importance of integrating research and practice to improve care quality.”
Dr. Nydahl lives by the philosophy that "knowledge is meant to be shared" and is deeply committed to fostering exchange within national and international networks. Collaboration and joint problem-solving are central to his work.
A three-time PMU alumnus who bridges theory and practice
Peter Nydahl was part of the first cohort of PMU’s online Bachelor of Nursing Science program and one of the earliest students in the Master of Nursing Science program. In 2023, he earned his habilitation at PMU. His recognition as a three-time PMU alumnus is a source of great pride for Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jürgen Osterbrink, Director of the Institute for Nursing Science and Dean of Nursing Science: “Peter Nydahl is a prime example of how to bridge theory and practice. Like medicine, nursing is a theory-driven and practice-oriented discipline that combines research and patient care. This is precisely what Peter Nydahl excels at: evidence-based practice. He is one of the most diligent and prolific researchers, both in content and publications, while remaining remarkably humble. On top of that, he continues to work directly with patients. In the care of people with delirium, he has set international standards.”
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Background:
Since 1999, the German Nursing Prize has been awarded by the German Nursing Council to individuals or institutions that have made outstanding contributions to nursing and midwifery in Germany. It is the highest national award in nursing, recognizing exemplary work in the field.
The German Nursing Council is the umbrella organization for the most significant nursing and midwifery associations in Germany. It advocates for sustainable, high-quality healthcare and coordinates the positions of its member organizations.
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Photo: Peter Nydahl at the official ceremony for the German Nursing Prize on November 7, 2024, during the opening of the German Nursing Day (Deutscher Pflegetag) in Berlin. // Photo credit: German Nursing Prize / Jan Pauls.
