District Nurse Midwife

What does a district nurse-midwife do? – Tasks and work environment

A district nurse-midwife provides care, advice, and support to women, children, and families within primary care. Tasks include prenatal care, contraceptive counseling, childbirth preparation, and postpartum follow-up. Additionally, health consultations, vaccinations, and health promotion efforts across different life stages are included. The work environment involves close patient contact and collaboration with other healthcare professionals at health centers, child health clinics, and sometimes home healthcare. The role requires both medical expertise and the ability to meet patients with empathy and sensitivity.

Salary development over time

The salary for a district nurse-midwife has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,600 SEK per month, increasing to 47 200 SEK in 2023. By 2024, the average salary has reached 48 300 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 5.9% over the period. This positive trend reflects an increased demand for midwives and district nurses, especially in primary care where expertise is highly valued. Salary development is also influenced by factors such as experience, workplace, and regional differences. A continued shortage of qualified personnel in the midwifery field may lead to further salary improvements in the future.

District nurse-midwife salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 48 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 48,100 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 67,100 SEK/month (female, private sector employee)
• Hourly wage: 290 SEK
• Women: 48 300 SEK/month
• Men: 48,200 SEK/month (highest reported salary)
• Regional differences: Data is lacking, but salary levels may vary depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a district nurse-midwife, both a license as a registered nurse and further training as a district nurse and midwife are required. It is an advanced role combining two specialist competencies, which entails a longer educational pathway than many other healthcare professions. Practical experience from both inpatient and primary care is often advantageous for employment.

• Nursing degree: 3 years (basic education, bachelor's degree)
• Further training as a district nurse: 1 year (master’s level)
• Further training as a midwife: 1.5 years (master’s level)
• Licensing: Required for both nurse and midwife
• Practical training: Included during education, especially in primary care and maternity care
• Prerequisites: Nursing license and professional experience recommended

Common benefits and compensations

District nurse-midwives are often covered by collective agreements and offered benefits such as occupational pension, paid further training, wellness allowance, and flexible working hours. Some employers also provide extra vacation days, support for further education, and subsidized occupational health services. Compensation for unsocial hours and on-call duties may apply depending on the specific role.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a district nurse-midwife varies depending on region and employer, but there is generally a shortage of this specialist competence. Challenges include combining two advanced roles, which requires broad medical knowledge and the ability to handle complex patient cases. Workload can be high at times, especially in primary care where resources are sometimes limited. Staying updated on medical guidelines and new treatment methods is crucial to providing the best possible care. Despite these challenges, the profession is valued and offers long-term career opportunities for those engaged and eager to develop.

Tips for aspiring district nurse-midwives

To succeed as a district nurse-midwife, it’s good to combine analytical skills with a strong commitment to patient well-being. Good communication and high social competence facilitate contact with patients in various life situations, while accuracy and responsibility are necessary for medical assessments. Flexibility and adaptability help in a dynamic work environment, and good teamwork skills are key when multiple professional groups collaborate. Continuing education and staying updated on new guidelines and methods are important for ongoing development in the profession. The ability to communicate clearly and create trust with patients and relatives is often crucial for success and job satisfaction.

Key facts about district nurse-midwives

• Education level: Specialist training for both district nurse and midwife (master’s level)
• Work environment: Primary care, child health centers, and maternity clinics
• Demand: 375 job openings reported within the profession
• Typical employment: Full-time, daytime work, but some on-call shifts may occur
• Special skills: Combination of maternity care, child health, and contraceptive counseling

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a district nurse-midwife, opportunities for further specialization open up, such as in leadership, education, or research. Many choose roles as coordinators, trainers, or supervisors for students and new colleagues. The employment agency’s prognosis does not provide an exact assessment for this combined role, but demand within the midwife profession remains, supported by the 375 available positions nationwide. As the population grows and more people seek primary care, the need for broad competence in maternal and child health increases. A district nurse-midwife can also work on development projects, quality improvement, or transition to private healthcare providers where working conditions and salary levels may differ from the public sector.

Frequently asked questions about district nurse-midwives

• What is the average salary for a district nurse-midwife?
  - The average salary is 48 300 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development for district nurse-midwives progressed?
  - Salaries have increased from 45,600 SEK in 2022 to 48 300 SEK in 2024, which is approximately a 5.9% increase.
• What education is required to become a district nurse-midwife?
  - A license as a registered nurse and further training as both district nurse and midwife are required.
• Are there many job openings in this profession?
  - There are 375 available positions reported within the profession.
• What personal qualities are important in this profession?
  - Empathy, teamwork, flexibility, and precision are especially valuable.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Women have an average salary of 48 300 SEK, while information about men is limited to a highest reported salary of 48,200 SEK.
• Where do district nurse-midwives mostly work?
  - Most often in primary care, at health centers, child health centers, and maternity clinics.