Asthma nurse

What does an asthma nurse do? – Tasks and work environment

An asthma nurse works with providing specialized care to patients with asthma and other allergy-related diseases. Tasks include patient education, advice on medication and inhalation techniques, follow-up on treatment effectiveness, and coordination with doctors and other healthcare providers. The work often takes place at health centers, allergy clinics, or in outpatient specialist care. The work environment is typically clinical and involves close contact with both adults and children, where meetings are characterized by pedagogy, patient safety, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for asthma nurses have shown a stable and positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 41,100 SEK per month, increasing to 42 900 SEK in 2023. The latest figure for 2024 shows an average salary of 43 900 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 6.8% over the period. This salary increase can largely be explained by an increased need for specialist competence in asthma care, combined with general improvements in collective agreements and a continued high demand for nurses in Swedish healthcare. Despite a relatively rapid salary growth, some differences between genders and regions remain, reflecting broader structural challenges within the profession.

Asthma nurse salary – a complete overview

• Average salary: 43 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 40,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education 3 years or more)
• Highest salary: 77,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 264 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men: 45 400 SEK, women: 43 700 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data varies, but salary levels can be influenced by location and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as an asthma nurse, licensure as a registered nurse and further training in asthma, allergy, and COPD are required. The basic nursing education is often combined with specialized courses, sometimes at an advanced level. Practical experience in asthma or lung disease care is valuable and may be a requirement at many workplaces.

• Basic education: Nursing degree (3 years, university/higher education)
• Further training: Additional courses in asthma, allergy, and COPD (usually 7.5–15 credits)
• Certifications: Recommended, especially in asthma and allergy care
• Experience: From clinics or departments specializing in lung and allergy diseases
• Prerequisites: Licensure as a registered nurse

Common benefits and compensations

Asthma nurses are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, flexible working hours, wellness allowances, professional development, and sometimes favorable pension schemes. It is common for employers to provide paid further training and opportunities to participate in conferences and networks within asthma care.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an asthma nurse is relatively low nationally due to the continued high demand. At the same time, challenges include workload, high patient turnover, and ongoing requirements for professional development. Salary and working condition differences between regions and employers can affect both the work environment and recruitment opportunities. The profession also demands the ability to handle complex patient cases and work independently, which places high demands on medical knowledge and pedagogical skills. A certain gender salary gap persists, reflecting broader structural issues in healthcare.

Tips for aspiring asthma nurses

To succeed as an asthma nurse, it is good to combine a genuine interest in people with a strong desire to learn new things. Good pedagogical skills facilitate support and guidance for patients regarding self-care, while accuracy is crucial for medication management and documentation. Flexibility helps with quick changes in patient flow and tasks, while communication skills help build trust with patients and colleagues. Actively pursuing further education and participating in networks within asthma care increases development opportunities. Engagement and empathy are highly valued qualities that often make a difference in patients' daily lives.

Key facts about Asthma Nurse

• Education level: Nursing degree with further training in asthma/allergy
• Work environment: Health centers, specialist clinics, or outpatient care
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment according to the Swedish Public Employment Service
• Number of job openings: 375 within the profession of registered nurses
• Special skills: Patient education and inhalation techniques

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an asthma nurse, there are good opportunities to take on more advanced tasks, such as becoming a specialist nurse in asthma, allergy, and COPD, or as a coordinator at a larger health center. Experienced nurses often engage in training colleagues or participate in research projects and quality development within asthma care. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the job market for basic registered nurses is very good, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years. However, the recruitment situation is characterized by a paradox where there are both recruitment difficulties and a relatively high proportion of part-time workers, which can offer development opportunities or options to change workplaces. Regional differences may exist, but overall, the outlook for the profession remains stable.

Common questions about Asthma Nurse

• What is the average salary of an asthma nurse?
  - An asthma nurse has an average monthly salary of 43 900 SEK.
• What are the gender differences in salary for asthma nurses?
  - Women earn 96% of what men do, with an average salary of 43 700 SEK for women and 45 400 SEK for men.
• Are there significant regional differences in salary?
  - Salaries can vary depending on location and sector, but exact differences fluctuate over time and across regions.
• What education is required to become an asthma nurse?
  - Licensing as a registered nurse and further training in asthma, allergy, and COPD are required.
• What is the job market like for asthma nurses?
  - The job market is very good, with currently 375 job openings within the profession.
• What is the highest salary for an asthma nurse?
  - The highest salary is 77,200 SEK and belongs to a man in the public sector with a research degree.
• Which personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Pedagogical skills, empathy, accuracy, and good communication are central qualities.