What does a hygiene nurse do? – Tasks and work environment
A hygiene nurse plays a central role in preventing and combating healthcare-associated infections within healthcare. Tasks include educating staff on hygiene routines, evaluating and developing hygiene regulations, and participating in infection tracing during outbreaks. It also involves following up and analyzing deviations, advising on disinfection and sterilization, and collaborating with other professionals to ensure a safe care environment. The work is usually carried out in hospitals, primary care, or municipal care, requiring high precision and pedagogical skills.
Salary development over time
The salary for a hygiene nurse has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,100 SEK per month, rising to 42 900 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 shows an average salary of 43 900 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 7 % over the three-year period. This salary trend reflects continued demand for specialist competence in the hygiene field, especially following the pandemic's impact on healthcare. The increase may also be linked to higher requirements for patient safety and increased awareness of infection control. Despite positive developments, gender pay gaps remain noticeable but are slowly decreasing.
Hygiene nurse salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 43 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 40,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, postgraduate education 3 years or more)
- Highest salary: 77,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, research degree)
- Hourly wage: 264 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Men earn 45 400 SEK, women 43 700 SEK (women earn 96 % of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Data on regional variation is unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as a hygiene nurse, a license as a nurse and further education in healthcare hygiene, often at an advanced level, are required. The educational pathway includes both theoretical and practical components and may involve university courses as well as clinical experience. Some employers also require specific certifications or additional training in the field.
- Basic education: Nursing degree (3 years, university/college)
- Further education: Advanced courses in healthcare hygiene, often at an advanced level
- Certifications: Opportunities for specialization and certification in healthcare hygiene
- Practical experience: Clinical experience in healthcare and hygiene work is advantageous
- Prerequisites: Licensed as a nurse
Many hygiene nurses have the opportunity to influence routines and strategies at the entire hospital or regional level, making the profession particularly attractive for those interested in development and quality within healthcare.
Common benefits and compensations
Hygiene nurses often have access to benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, occupational pension, and opportunities for professional development through courses and conferences. Other common compensations include overtime pay and sometimes additional allowances for work in specific operations or during epidemiological outbreaks.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as a hygiene nurse is generally low, but there is a paradoxical recruitment situation where demand is high and unemployment within the profession is low. Challenges include staying updated on new infection control recommendations, managing stress during outbreaks, and implementing changes in operations. Skills shortages in healthcare hygiene and the need for continuous education are recurring issues, especially since the role requires both specialist knowledge and pedagogical skills.
Tips for those wanting to become a hygiene nurse
To succeed as a hygiene nurse, it’s beneficial to be analytical and meticulous, especially since the work involves evaluating routines and identifying risks. Good communication skills are essential, as training and supervising staff are part of daily tasks. Engagement in patient safety and a structured approach help manage challenges related to infection tracing and hygiene work. Flexibility is important, as new situations may require quick adjustments and collaboration with various professionals. An interest in continuous development and the ability to absorb new knowledge facilitate adapting to changing guidelines and recommendations. Being solutions-oriented and patient contributes to personal growth and quality at the workplace. Finally, integrity and a sense of responsibility are vital, as the work often involves making decisions that affect many.
Key facts about hygiene nurses
- Education level: Nursing degree + further training in healthcare hygiene
- Work environment: Hospitals, primary care, and municipal care
- Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
- Work hours: Daytime, often full-time
- Special skills: Infection control, training, and routine work
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a hygiene nurse can develop into roles such as specialist, operational developer, or manager within healthcare hygiene. There are also opportunities to work on regional or national infection control projects, training initiatives, or research-related assignments. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecasts, the job prospects remain strong for qualified nurses, including hygiene nurses. In five years, demand is expected to stay steady, but the need for specialist competence in healthcare hygiene will continue, especially with increasing requirements for infection control and quality assurance. Further education in leadership, training, or research can provide additional career opportunities.
Frequently asked questions about hygiene nurses
- What does a hygiene nurse earn?
- The average salary is 43 900 SEK per month.
- How to become a hygiene nurse?
- By first qualifying as a nurse and then pursuing further education in healthcare hygiene.
- Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, men earn an average of 45 400 SEK and women 43 700 SEK, which means women earn 96 % of men's salary.
- Which workplaces employ hygiene nurses?
- Common employers are hospitals, primary care, municipal care, and private healthcare providers.
- What are the future prospects?
- Job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for a hygiene nurse?
- The highest salary is 77,200 SEK and the lowest is 40,700 SEK per month.
- Is further education necessary?
- Yes, additional training in healthcare hygiene is required to work as a hygiene nurse.
