What does an infection nurse do? – Tasks and work environment
An infection nurse cares for patients affected by infectious diseases, often in dedicated infectious disease wards or clinics. Tasks include patient care, sampling, monitoring patient conditions, as well as administering medication and IV fluids. An important part of the role is coordinating care efforts, following hygiene routines to prevent infection spread, and providing information to patients and relatives about disease progression and treatment. The work environment is often intense and requires great attention to detail, especially when handling infectious diseases, and the work is carried out in teams with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Salary development over time
The salary for infection nurses has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,100 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 42 900 SEK, corresponding to a salary increase of about 4.4%. In 2024, the average salary continued to rise to 43 900 SEK per month, a further increase of just over 2.3% compared to the previous year. Drivers behind this development include increased demand for specialist competence in infectious disease care, especially after the pandemic's impact on healthcare, as well as greater focus on work environment and professional development. Despite the increases, some gender pay gaps remain, with women earning 96 % of men's salaries.
Infection nurse salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 43 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 40,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education 3 years or more)
- Highest salary: 77,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, research education)
- Hourly wage: 264 SEK
- Gender differences: Men earn 45 400 SEK, women 43 700 SEK (women earn 96 % of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Data missing, but variations occur depending on region and employer
Education and qualifications
To work as an infection nurse, licensure as a registered nurse is required, along with further education in infectious disease care or related fields. The entry route begins with a basic nursing education, followed by practical experience and sometimes supplementary courses in infectious medicine. Employers may also require experience from infectious disease wards or similar settings.
- Licensed nurse: Basic education, 3 years (180 hp)
- Further education: Courses or specialist training in infectious disease care (varying extent)
- Practical experience: Practical experience from infectious disease care is highly valued
- Additional courses: Courses in healthcare hygiene, infection control, and antibiotic management
- Personal qualities: Resilience to stress and meticulousness are essential
Infection nurses often play a key role during outbreaks of contagious diseases and work closely with infection control doctors and authorities. The profession can quickly change with new medical challenges, requiring flexibility and continuous skill development.
Common benefits and compensation
Common benefits for infection nurses include extra compensation for unsocial hours, opportunities for professional development, wellness grants, and occupational pension. In infectious disease wards, additional allowances may also be offered, and some employers provide extra support for further training or specialist courses.
Competition and challenges
The competition for infection nurse positions is considered low, with great opportunities for employment according to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecast. Despite the high demand, the profession faces challenges such as high workload, risk of infection, and the need for continuous updates on new infectious diseases. Recruitment difficulties occur, and many leave the profession or work part-time, creating a paradoxical situation where the need for competent infection nurses remains high. The work environment can be both mentally and physically demanding, and adaptability is an important trait.
Tips for those interested in becoming an infection nurse
To succeed as an infection nurse, it's good to combine meticulousness with a strong commitment to patient safety. Having good resilience to stress is crucial, as the work often takes place under pressure and requires quick decisions. It is also valuable to be communicative and clear, especially when interacting with patients and colleagues in multidisciplinary teams. The ability to quickly absorb new knowledge about infectious diseases and treatments provides an advantage, as healthcare is constantly evolving. Showing empathy and being able to handle difficult conversations with relatives is another important aspect of the profession. Practical experience in infectious disease wards is recommended to build confidence and competence. Last but not least, an interest in medical research and development facilitates staying updated within the field.
Key facts about infection nurses
- Education level: Licensed nurse (3 years) + further training in infectious disease care
- Work environment: Hospitals, infectious disease wards, and clinics
- Demand: Great opportunities for employment (375 job openings in the profession)
- Typical work form: Shift work, often unsocial hours
- Special skills: Infection control, healthcare hygiene, and antibiotic management
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as an infection nurse, there are opportunities to develop into specialist roles, such as healthcare developer, chief nurse, or educator in infectious disease care. Some choose to deepen their expertise in infection control or research, while others move into leadership positions within healthcare organizations. According to the Swedish Employment Agency, job opportunities are very good, and demand is expected to remain stable over the next five years. Recruitment challenges persist, as many leave the profession or work part-time, despite high demand. Overall, a stable job market and good career prospects await those committed to infectious disease care.
Common questions about infection nurses
- What does an infection nurse earn?
- An infection nurse has an average monthly salary of 43 900 SEK, with variations depending on experience, education, and employer.
- How does one become an infection nurse?
- First, licensure as a nurse after three years of university studies, then further training and experience in infectious disease care.
- Is there demand for infection nurses?
- Yes, demand is high and the job market is considered very good according to the Swedish Employment Agency.
- Which workplaces hire infection nurses?
- Common workplaces include hospitals, infectious disease wards, outpatient clinics, and sometimes infection control units.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for an infection nurse?
- The highest salary is 77,200 SEK per month and the lowest is 40,700 SEK per month, depending on education, sector, and gender.
- What are the working hours for infection nurses?
- Work often occurs in shifts, including evenings, nights, and weekends.
- What qualities are important for an infection nurse?
- Accuracy, resilience to stress, good communication skills, and interest in medical development are key qualities.
