Infection nurse salary

Infection Control Nurse: Job Description and Responsibilities

As an infection control nurse, you work at the heart of healthcare, managing both preventive and therapeutic interventions against infections. Responsibilities range from administering vaccines and monitoring patient conditions to educating patients and their families on infection prevention measures. It is a profession that requires technical skills and an empathetic approach, as you often work with patients in vulnerable situations.

Educational Requirements for Infection Control Nurses

To become an infection control nurse, a basic nursing education is required, which entails a bachelor's degree in nursing. Many choose to further specialize in infection control to deepen their knowledge and enhance their career opportunities. This educational path combines theory and practice, providing a broad understanding of various aspects of healthcare.

Future Outlook and Job Opportunities

The profession of infection control nurse falls under the category of registered nurses, where labor market assessments indicate strong employment prospects. Nationally, demand is stable and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. However, there is a paradoxical recruitment situation where it is challenging to recruit despite high unemployment rates within the profession.

Salary Statistics for Infection Control Nurses

It is always interesting to ask: What does an infection control nurse earn? The average monthly salary for an infection control nurse is 42 900 SEK. However, there is a gender pay gap, with men earning an average of 44 600 SEK while women earn 42 700 SEK. This means that women earn approximately 96% of what men do in the profession.

For infection control nurses working on an hourly basis, the hourly wage is around 258 SEK with an average working month of 166 hours. It is pleasing to see that the average salary has increased from 41 100 SEK to 42 900 SEK since the last measurement.

Salary Range within the Profession

The salary range within the profession can vary significantly depending on educational level and workplace. The highest recorded salary for an infection control nurse is 93,800 SEK, held by a male with a research education in the public sector. For women, the highest salary is 60,500 SEK. On the other hand, the lowest salary for a woman is 36,600 SEK, which is for a privately employed individual with a maximum of two years of high school education. Men with a similar background have a minimum salary of 37,000 SEK.

Working Conditions and Benefits

Infection control nurses mostly work in hospital settings but can also be found in primary care centers and other healthcare facilities. Working hours can vary with both day and night shifts depending on the workplace's needs. Benefits offered may include further education, which is a significant advantage for those looking to specialize further in their field.

Challenges in the Profession

As an infection control nurse, you are often faced with challenging situations, especially during outbreaks of infectious diseases. It requires quick decision-making and the ability to work efficiently under pressure. At the same time, it is a profession that offers great satisfaction in being able to contribute to patients' health and well-being.

• Management of infectious diseases
• Educational guidance for patients and families
• Vaccine administration
• Preventive measures

Summary

Infection control nursing is a profession with promising future prospects and a stable demand in the job market. Salaries vary depending on experience and educational level, but there are excellent opportunities for development and further education. With an average salary of 42 900 SEK and an hourly wage of 258 SEK, along with ample job opportunities nationally, it is an attractive choice for those looking to work in healthcare.