What does an infectious disease nurse do? – Tasks and work environment
An infectious disease nurse primarily works with caring for patients affected by infectious diseases, both in acute and chronic stages. Tasks include assessing the patient's condition, administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and coordinating with doctors and other healthcare staff. The role also involves advising on infection control, patient education, and contributing to preventing the spread of infections. The work environment is often intense and located in infection clinics, emergency departments, or specialist outpatient clinics, where strict hygiene routines and quick decision-making are essential parts of daily life.
Salary development over time
The salary for an infectious disease nurse has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,100 SEK per month, increasing to 42 900 during 2023 and further to 43 900 in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.8% over three years, indicating salary growth in line with increased demand and a generally strong job market for nurses. Factors driving salary increases include skills shortages in healthcare, high workload, and increased requirements for specialist knowledge related to infectious diseases. Despite good salary development, some salary gaps between men and women in the profession still exist.
Infectious disease nurse salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 43 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 40,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
- Highest salary: 77,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, research education)
- Hourly wage: 264 SEK/hour (average, hourly employed)
- Women’s salary as a percentage of men’s: 96%
- Average male salary: 45 400 SEK/month
- Average female salary: 43 700 SEK/month
Education and qualifications
To work as an infectious disease nurse, a license as a registered nurse is required, obtained after a three-year university program. Afterwards, it is common to supplement with specialist training in infectious disease care or related fields to meet the profession's requirements for advanced competence. Practical experience from working in hospitals, infectious disease clinics, or similar environments is often meritorious and sought after.
- Basic degree: Nursing degree (180 hp, 3 years)
- Specialist training: Further education in infectious disease care, 1 year
- Licensure: Swedish nursing license
- Practical training: Clinical practice included in the education
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
Working as an infectious disease nurse often requires quickly adapting to new infectious agents and medical findings. The ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams is crucial, especially during outbreaks and emerging infectious diseases.
Common benefits and compensations
Infectious disease nurses are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, extra vacation days, professional development, and opportunities for further specialization. Compensation for evening, night, and weekend work is usually provided for irregular hours. Many employers also offer pension contributions beyond statutory levels and, in some cases, flexible working hours.
Competition and challenges
Demand for infectious disease nurses is high, and national forecasts indicate continued significant job opportunities over the next five years. At the same time, the profession faces a paradoxical recruitment situation where there is a shortage of trained nurses, while the proportion working part-time or leaving the profession is relatively high. Workload is often intense, especially during outbreaks of contagious diseases. The requirement for ongoing training and adaptation to new treatment methods demands flexibility and commitment. Regional differences in salary and working conditions also occur, affecting the competition for workforce further.
Tips for those who want to become an infectious disease nurse
To succeed as an infectious disease nurse, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in medical issues and infection control, as well as to be meticulous and stress-tolerant. Developing good communication skills facilitates teamwork and patient interactions, while analytical thinking helps in assessing complex patient cases. Flexibility is important, as the work often involves rapid changes in routines and guidelines. Actively seeking internships in infectious disease care provides valuable experience, as does participating in further training and networks. Finally, empathy is a central trait, as many patients experience anxiety and need clear information and support.
Key facts about Infectious Disease Nurse
- Education level: Nursing degree + specialist training
- Work environment: Hospitals, infection clinics, specialist outpatient clinics
- Work form: Usually full-time, shift work common
- Demand: Very high, 375 job openings in the profession
- Special skills: Infection control, hygiene routines, patient education
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an infectious disease nurse can advance to roles such as healthcare developer, training coordinator, supervisor for new colleagues, or move on to leadership positions within clinics or organizational development. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that the job market for basic-trained nurses, including infectious disease nurses, will remain strong with many opportunities and relatively unchanged demand over the next five years. Those pursuing doctoral or further specialist education can also reach higher salary levels and more qualified responsibilities. The profession offers good opportunities for further education and career development within both public and private sectors.
Frequently asked questions about Infectious Disease Nurse
- What is the average salary of an infectious disease nurse?
- The average salary is 43 900 SEK per month.
- How do salary differences between men and women look?
- Men earn an average of 45 400 SEK, women 43 700, which means women earn 96% of men's salaries.
- What education is required to become an infectious disease nurse?
- Nursing degree (3 years) plus specialist training in infectious disease care.
- Are there good job opportunities?
- Yes, demand is very high and there are approximately 375 job openings in the profession.
- What is the maximum salary an infectious disease nurse can earn?
- The highest reported salary is 77,200 SEK per month (male, public sector, research education).
- What are the most common work environments?
- Common workplaces include hospitals, infection clinics, and specialist outpatient clinics.
- What personal qualities are important in the profession?
- Meticulousness, stress tolerance, empathy, and good communication skills.
