Home nurse, assistant nurse

What does a home healthcare worker, assistant nurse do? – Tasks and work environment

A home healthcare worker with assistant nurse qualifications primarily provides care and support to patients in their own homes. Tasks include medication management, wound dressing, sampling, personal care, and support with daily activities. The work is often autonomous but involves close collaboration with nurses, doctors, and relatives. The work environment can vary greatly – from safe home settings to more challenging situations requiring quick decisions and flexibility. The role often also involves documentation, planning of interventions, and adapting to different patient needs and preferences.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for home healthcare workers, assistant nurses have shown stable and positive growth. In 2022, the average salary was 30,700 SEK per month, increasing to 31 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 32 800 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 6.8% over the period. This trend reflects an increased demand for assistant nurses in home healthcare, partly due to an aging population and growing need for qualified home care. Union negotiations and regional investments in the care sector have also contributed to higher salaries. The trend indicates that the profession’s importance and status are gradually strengthening in the labor market.

Home healthcare worker, assistant nurse salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 32 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,100 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 35,800 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 197 SEK/hour
• Women earn (average): 32 900 SEK/month
• Men earn (average): 32 300 SEK/month
• Women earn as percentage of men: 102%

Education and qualifications

To work as a home healthcare worker, assistant nurse typically requires a secondary education in health and social care. Many employers also seek specialized courses in areas such as dementia care, palliative care, or medication management. Practical training during education provides valuable experience from real healthcare situations, and some employers may also require that assistant nurse qualifications are formally validated according to the latest national guidelines.

• Secondary health and social care education: The most common basic requirement (about 3 years)
• Specialized courses: e.g., dementia care, palliative care, medication management
• Internship (APL): Mandatory part of the secondary program
• Validation of assistant nurse competence: Recommended according to new national guidelines
• Prerequisites: Often approved grades in Swedish and mathematics from compulsory school

Common benefits and compensations

The profession often offers benefits such as on-call allowances for evening and weekend work, wellness contributions, and extra vacation days. Some employers also provide opportunities for further training during working hours and paid skill development. Secure employment and collective insurance schemes are standard in most public and private organizations.

Competition and challenges

Demand for home healthcare workers, assistant nurses is high and expected to continue increasing, but the profession faces recruitment difficulties – especially as many work part-time and workload can be heavy. The work environment requires both physical endurance and mental strength, as encounters with seriously ill or elderly patients often demand high empathy and professionalism. Competition for permanent positions is generally low, but differences exist between regions and employers. Flexibility and willingness to further educate oneself provide advantages in the job market.

Tips for those who want to become a home healthcare worker, assistant nurse

To succeed as a home healthcare worker, assistant nurse, it’s good to be empathetic and attentive, which helps in engaging with patients with various needs. The ability to work independently is crucial – work often takes place alone in patients’ homes, requiring initiative and responsibility. Flexibility is important since the workday rarely looks the same, and unexpected situations can arise. Good teamwork skills facilitate contact with colleagues and relatives, while accuracy is necessary for medication management and documentation. Being resilient and maintaining a positive attitude contribute to a sustainable and rewarding career in the profession.

Key facts about home healthcare workers, assistant nurses

• Education level: Secondary health and social care education
• Work environment: Independent work in patients’ homes
• Demand: Very high, especially due to an aging population
• Work form: Often scheduled, with evening and weekend work
• Job openings: 375 positions nationally within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities for further education, such as becoming a specialist assistant nurse in dementia, palliative care, or rehabilitation. Many also choose to study further to become a registered nurse or take on leadership roles, such as coordinator within home healthcare. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities are very good, and demand is expected to increase further over the next five years, mainly due to demographic developments. Despite challenges with part-time work and workload, the profession remains one of the most stable within the healthcare sector. The prognosis indicates good career opportunities and a secure labor market for home healthcare workers, assistant nurses, in the future.

Frequently asked questions about home healthcare workers, assistant nurses

• What does a home healthcare worker, assistant nurse earn?
  - The average salary is 32 800 SEK per month, with variation between 30,100 SEK and 35,800 SEK depending on experience and employer.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Women earn an average of 32 900 SEK while men earn 32 300 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to work as a home healthcare worker, assistant nurse?
  - A secondary education in health and social care is standard, often with specialized courses and internships.
• Are there good future prospects in the profession?
  - Yes, demand is very high and expected to increase further over the next five years according to the Employment Service.
• What is the work environment like for home healthcare workers, assistant nurses?
  - The work is independent and takes place in patients' homes, often with varied workdays and close contact with patients.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - On-call allowances, wellness contributions, extra vacation days, and opportunities for further training are common.