Asthma nurse

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

An asthma nurse works to support and treat patients with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. Tasks include patient education, follow-up of treatment, spirometry tests, advice on self-care, and collaboration with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Daily activities involve both urgent and scheduled visits, and work environments are often health centers, lung clinics, or pediatric and youth clinics. Continuous contact with patients and relatives is central, requiring both medical knowledge and pedagogical skills.

Salary development over time

The salary of an asthma nurse has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,100 SEK per month, increasing to 42 900 SEK in 2023. The latest recorded average salary for 2024 is 43 900 SEK, representing an increase of about 7% over three years. The salary increase can be explained by higher demand for specialized nurses in primary care and a general push to raise nurses' salaries in line with skills and workload. The market's need for asthma nurses has remained stable, while competition for experienced nurses has driven wages higher. Although the increases have not been as large as in some other specialist roles, the trend remains positive for the profession.

Asthma nurse salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 43 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 40,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest salary: 77,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 264 SEK
• Women earn: 43 700 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 45 400 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, with somewhat higher wages in metropolitan areas and certain counties.

Education and qualifications

To work as an asthma nurse, a license as a registered nurse is required, followed by further training in asthma, allergy, and COPD. Many employers prefer nurses with experience from primary care or respiratory medicine, as well as specialization as district nurse or pediatric nurse. Courses in spirometry, allergy diagnostics, and patient education are common parts of skill development.

• Basic education: Nursing degree (3 years, university or college)
• Further training: Courses in asthma, allergy, and COPD (usually 7.5–15 ECTS credits)
• Specialization: District nurse or pediatric nurse (1 year, master's level)
• Practical experience: Experience from primary care or respiratory medicine is recommended
• Certification: No formal requirements, but training certificates and course proof are often requested

Common benefits and compensations

Asthma nurses often receive collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development. Some employers also offer flexitime, wellness activities during working hours, and compensation for unsocial hours. Further training and conference participation are encouraged to stay updated on new treatment methods.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an asthma nurse is relatively low, but there is a paradoxical situation where recruitment difficulties occur despite high demand. The job market features many vacancies, but the workload is high and the work environment demanding. Challenges include managing both patient encounters and documentation, staying updated on medical guidelines, and meeting patients' individual needs. Another challenge is coordinating efforts with other professionals and working preventively to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. Despite this, the role is valued for its variety and the opportunity to influence patients' well-being long-term.

Tips for those who want to become an asthma nurse

To succeed as an asthma nurse, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in both medicine and pedagogy. Initiative facilitates managing patient flow and developing routines at the clinic, while good communication skills aid in patient education and collaboration with colleagues. Precision is crucial for medical assessments and documentation, and empathy helps build trust and understanding of the patient's situation. Flexibility makes it easier to handle varied tasks and quickly switch between urgent and scheduled activities. For those curious about the role, it is recommended to seek internships or temporary positions in primary care and to pursue learning through courses and seminars. Staying updated on new treatment methods is also a key to success.

Key facts about Asthma Nurse

• Education level: Nursing degree (3 years) + further training in asthma/allergy
• Work environment: Health centers, lung clinics, or pediatric and youth clinics
• Work form: Daytime, often full-time or part-time, sometimes flexible hours
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, low competition
• Special skills: Spirometry, patient education, asthma/allergy/COPD treatment

Career paths and future outlooks

After three to five years as an asthma nurse, opportunities open to take on more leadership roles within the clinic, such as coordinator or team leader. Further education in allergology, COPD, or pediatric care can lead to specialist positions or teaching roles. Some choose to engage in quality development or research, while others advance into managerial roles within primary or outpatient care. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's prognosis for newly qualified nurses, job prospects remain strong and demand is expected to stay unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is described as challenging, with many vacancies and a need to attract more people to the profession. Currently, there are 375 job openings nationwide.

Common questions about Asthma Nurse

• What does an asthma nurse earn?
  - The average salary is 43 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and education.
• What education is required to become an asthma nurse?
  - Licensure as a registered nurse plus further training in asthma, allergy, and COPD.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn approximately 96% of what men do within the profession.
• What are the future prospects for asthma nurses?
  - Job opportunities are considered plentiful, with high demand even over a five-year horizon.
• Which workplaces are most common for asthma nurses?
  - Health centers, lung clinics, and pediatric and youth clinics are most common.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for an asthma nurse?
  - The highest reported salary is 77,200 SEK and the lowest is 40,700 SEK per month.
• What benefits are usually offered?
  - Occupational pension, wellness allowance, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development are common benefits.