Veterinarian salary

Veterinary Nurse: A Rewarding Profession with Diverse Responsibilities

As a veterinary nurse, also known as an animal care nurse, you work to provide care and support to animals under the supervision of a veterinarian. Your tasks may vary from assisting in surgical procedures, administering medications, taking blood samples, and conducting basic diagnostic tests to offering support and information to pet owners. This profession requires a great interest in animals and the ability to handle stressful and emotionally challenging situations.

Salary for a Veterinary Nurse

A veterinary nurse has an average monthly salary of 31 800 SEK. However, there is a difference between genders, with men earning 33 800 SEK and women earning 31 700 SEK, meaning that women earn 94% of what men do. An hourly employed veterinary nurse has an average hourly wage of 191 SEK. The salary for this profession has increased from 30 200 SEK to 31 800 SEK since the last measurement.

Salary Variations

The highest salary for a veterinary nurse is 35,400 SEK, and this salary belongs to a man working as a private employee with an education of 3 years or more. For women, the highest salary is 34,600 SEK. At the same time, the lowest salary for a woman in the regional sector is 30,700 SEK with a 3-year secondary education, while the lowest salary for a man is 31 800 SEK.

Education and Qualifications

To become a veterinary nurse, typically an education in veterinary nursing offered by several vocational colleges in Sweden is required. The education includes both theoretical and practical elements, providing the skills necessary to work in the field. After completing the education, it is also possible to further educate or specialize in certain areas of animal care, which can positively impact salary development.

Job Market Outlook and Future Opportunities

The Swedish Public Employment Service assesses that the opportunities to find work as a veterinary nurse are significant, and the demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Despite this, there is a paradox in the recruitment situation where there are recruitment difficulties while many work part-time in the profession. This situation can create both challenges and opportunities for those entering the field.

Working Conditions and Benefits

Veterinary nurses often work in teams alongside veterinarians and other animal care staff, requiring good teamwork and communication skills. The work can be physically demanding and involve irregular working hours, including evenings and weekends. Benefits in the profession may vary depending on the employer. Some workplaces offer further education and certification opportunities, which can be an attractive advantage for many employees.

Challenges in the Profession

The job of a veterinary nurse can be emotionally demanding as you often work with sick or injured animals. It is essential to manage stress and have patience. Additionally, balancing work and personal life can be a challenge due to the irregular working hours.

Summary and Advice for Future Veterinary Nurses

If you have a passion for animals and are interested in working in care and support services, a career as a veterinary nurse is an excellent choice. With a competitive salary and good prospects, it can be a rewarding career. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges the job may entail and be prepared to handle them.

For those considering a career as a veterinary nurse, it is wise to obtain a relevant education and consider the type of work environment you thrive in. Being flexible and willing to work irregular hours can also be an advantage in this dynamic and constantly evolving industry.