What does an ambulance nurse do? – Tasks and work environment
Ambulance nurses are responsible for emergency medical care and patient management during accidents, illnesses, or other urgent incidents. The profession involves quickly assessing and prioritizing actions, providing advanced medical treatment on-site and during transport, and collaborating with other healthcare providers. The work environment is often demanding and fast-paced, with shift work and varying conditions, where both physical and mental stress are common. Flexibility, stress tolerance, and good teamwork skills are required to handle the complex situations that arise in prehospital care.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, ambulance nurse salaries have developed in an interesting way. In 2022, the average salary was 43,600 SEK per month. The following year, the salary increased to 48 100 SEK, representing a salary increase of approximately 10.3%. Since then, the salary has slightly decreased to 47 200 SEK in 2024, which is a reduction of about 1.9% compared to the previous year. The significant salary increase between 2022 and 2023 can likely be linked to increased demand for specialist skills and the strained labor market during the pandemic period. The marginal decline in 2024 may be due to adjustments in collective bargaining or staffing changes. Overall, the profession has experienced positive salary growth over time, although the latest update indicates some slowing down.
Ambulance nurse salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 47 200 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 44,200 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
- Highest salary: 56,300 SEK/month (female, private sector worker, research education)
- Hourly wage (average): 284 SEK/hour
- Women: 46 300 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
- Men: 48 000 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as an ambulance nurse, a license as a registered nurse is required, along with further training in ambulance or emergency care. The education includes both theoretical and practical components and demands high levels of independent decision-making and medical competence. Practical training in ambulance services is a central part of the education, and employers may also require specific certifications or experience in emergency care.
- Nursing degree: 3 years (bachelor's degree)
- Further specialization in ambulance or emergency nursing: 1 year
- License from the National Board of Health and Welfare
- Practical/clinical training in ambulance care
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
Ambulance nurses often work closely with ambulance assistants, where clear communication and quick decision-making can be crucial for patient survival. Unexpected situations and diverse assignments mean no two days are alike, which attracts many to the profession.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to base salary, there are often supplements for unsocial hours, overtime pay, and sometimes extra compensation for on-call or standby duties. Many employers also offer wellness allowances, opportunities for professional development, and extra vacation days. Occupational pension and insurance are standard in the public sector, and some private employers may offer additional benefits such as bonus programs or staff discounts.
Challenges and competition
The job market for ambulance nurses is characterized by stable demand, but recruitment can vary regionally. There are occasional shortages of specialized personnel, especially in rural areas and during holiday seasons. However, competition for positions is generally moderate, with around 375 available jobs in the profession, providing good opportunities for recent graduates. Challenges in the profession mainly involve high pace, heavy lifting, and difficult work environments, requiring both physical and psychological resilience. Quick decision-making and responsibility in urgent situations demand strong stress management and teamwork skills.
Tips for aspiring ambulance nurses
To succeed as an ambulance nurse, it is beneficial to combine decisiveness with empathy and analytical skills. Developing strong stress tolerance makes it easier to act calmly under pressure, while good communication skills facilitate teamwork and patient contact. Continually building medical knowledge and being open to new treatment methods are also important, as the profession evolves rapidly. Physical endurance supports work involving heavy lifting and patient transport. Finally, good judgment is essential for prioritizing the right actions when time is limited and situations are complex.
Key facts about Ambulance Nurse
- Education level: Nursing degree + specialization training (4 years total)
- Work environment: Emergency vehicles, shift work, varied settings
- Employment type: Public or private employment, often in teams
- Demand: Approximately 375 registered job openings
- Special skills: Emergency medicine, advanced medical assessment
Career paths and future outlook
With a few years of experience, ambulance nurses can advance to supervisory roles, become trainers in ambulance care, or further qualify as anesthetic or emergency nurses. Opportunities also exist to work as instructors in CPR or to participate in research on prehospital care. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific forecast is made for this profession due to limited statistical data, but the overall demand in healthcare is expected to remain stable. The broad skill set and increasing complexity of care tasks suggest good future prospects, although regional differences may occur.
Frequently asked questions about Ambulance Nurse
- What is the average salary for an ambulance nurse?
- The average salary is 47 200 SEK per month.
- What is the highest salary for an ambulance nurse?
- The highest salary is 56,300 SEK per month.
- How do you become an ambulance nurse?
- First, a nursing degree is required, followed by further training in ambulance care.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn approximately 96% of what men do in the profession.
- What is the work environment like?
- The work environment is varied with shift work, high pace, and physical challenges.
- What benefits are common?
- Compensation for unsocial hours, wellness allowances, and occupational pension are common.
- What are the future prospects for ambulance nurses?
- Demand is stable, but no exact forecast exists due to limited data.
