Infection nurse salary

Job Description for Infection Control Nurse

An infection control nurse, who is a registered nurse with specialized training in infectious diseases, plays a crucial role in healthcare. Their main responsibilities include diagnosing, treating, and preventing infectious diseases. They often work in infection control departments, but can also be found in primary care or other hospital units. Duties may range from providing patient care and administering medications to educating patients and families on infection prevention measures.

Salary for Infection Control Nurse

The average salary for an infection control nurse is 41 100 kronor per month. There is a salary discrepancy between genders, with men earning an average of 42 200 kronor and women earning 40 900 kronor. This means that women earn approximately 97% of what men do in this profession. The salary trend has been positive, with an increase from 39 500 kronor to 41 100 kronor since last year.

Education and Qualifications

Becoming an infection control nurse requires a basic nursing degree, typically a three-year program leading to a Bachelor's degree in nursing. After the basic training, one can specialize in infection control by completing additional training, often lasting one year. It is also important to have a good understanding of microbiology, pharmacology, and infection control.

Job Outlook

According to labor market forecasts, job opportunities for registered nurses, including infection control nurses, are very good. Nationally, the job prospects are considered strong and expected to remain stable over the next five years. However, the recruitment situation is characterized by some paradoxical elements, with both recruitment difficulties and a high proportion of part-time workers or individuals leaving the profession.

Benefits and Working Conditions

Infection control nurses may enjoy various benefits depending on the employer and workplace. Examples of benefits may include paid further education and courses, which are particularly valuable in a field that is constantly evolving. Other benefits such as subsidized fitness activities and company-paid mobile phones may also be available, but this varies significantly among different employers.

Considerations for Future Infection Control Nurses

If you are considering a career as an infection control nurse, it is important to be aware that it is a demanding yet highly rewarding profession. You will need a solid foundational education and a willingness to continuously learn and stay updated in your specialized area. Empathy, good communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure are also important qualities for success in this role.