What does an intensive care nurse do? – Tasks and work environment
Intensive care nurses are responsible for advanced care and monitoring of critically ill patients treated in intensive care units. Tasks include managing life-support equipment, administering medications, tracking vital signs, and acting quickly during urgent changes in the patient's condition. Collaboration with doctors, assistant nurses, and other healthcare staff is central to ensuring patient safety. The work environment is technically advanced, often fast-paced, and demands high levels of both medical expertise and psychological resilience.
Salary development over time
The salary for intensive care nurses has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,800 kronor per month, rising to 48 900 kronor in 2023 and reaching 51 000 kronor in 2024. This development corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 9% during the period. The salary growth can be linked to increased demand for specialized nurses, especially after the pandemic, as well as a greater focus on retaining and attracting staff in intensive care. Market conditions have also driven up wages, with employers competing for experienced nurses with specialist skills.
Intensive care nurse salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 51 000 kr/month
- Lowest salary: 46,300 kr/month (female, private sector employee)
- Highest salary: 62,000 kr/month (female, private sector employee, research education)
- Hourly wage: 307 kr
- Women earn: 50 900 kr (99% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 51 500 kr
- Regional differences: Data varies, but metropolitan areas and the private sector often offer slightly higher wages.
Education and qualifications
To work as an intensive care nurse, a nursing degree and licensure are required, followed by a one-year specialist training in intensive care. The education combines theoretical studies with practical training and clinical placement. High demands are placed on medical knowledge and the ability to handle stressful situations.
- Basic education: Nursing degree (3 years, bachelor's level)
- Specialist training: Intensive care (1 year, advanced level)
- Licensure: Swedish professional license required
- Practical training: Clinical practice included in the specialist training
- Meritorious experience: Previous experience in emergency care or anesthesia
Working as an intensive care nurse often involves quickly solving complex problems and making crucial decisions under pressure. It is a profession where technical skill and collaboration with colleagues are essential for patient safety and quality of care.
Common benefits and compensations
Typical benefits for intensive care nurses include overtime allowances for evening and weekend work, extra pay for night shifts, and sometimes bonuses during major holidays. Many employers also offer wellness contributions, professional development, and staff support, especially within larger hospital organizations.
Competition and challenges
The profession of an intensive care nurse is characterized by high demand on the job market, but also challenges such as high workload and complex patient cases. The shortage of specialized nurses means competition for skilled workers is fierce, especially in metropolitan areas and within the private sector. Working hours can be irregular with on-call and night shifts, requiring flexibility. At the same time, technological advances and increased care demands mean the role is constantly evolving. The ability to handle stress and work in teams is crucial for long-term success in the profession.
Tips for those who want to become an intensive care nurse
To succeed as an intensive care nurse, it is beneficial to have a strong commitment to people and well-developed stress resilience. Being precise and able to analyze changes in the patient's condition quickly facilitates daily work, especially in urgent situations. Good teamwork skills are essential since the work requires close contact with colleagues and relatives of patients. An interest in medical technology is also valuable, as the profession involves working with advanced equipment. Continuously updating your knowledge and staying informed about new treatment methods enhances long-term career prospects in intensive care. The ability to make quick decisions while remaining calm is appreciated by both patients and employers. Finally, having empathy to meet patients and relatives in difficult and sensitive situations is important.
Key facts about intensive care nurses
- Education level: Nursing degree (3 years) + specialist training (1 year)
- Work environment: Hospitals, mainly in intensive care units
- Typical work pattern: Shift work with night and weekend shifts
- Demand: High – 375 available jobs in the profession
- Special skills: Advanced medical technology and acute care
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as an intensive care nurse, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as ward manager, training coordinator, clinical supervisor, or further education in anesthesia or ambulance care. Specializing in specific patient groups or technical areas is also possible. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no separate assessment is made for intensive care nurses due to limited data, but the high demand for skilled nurses indicates good future prospects. Technological development and increased requirements for advanced care are also expected to increase the need for expertise in intensive care.
Frequently asked questions about intensive care nurses
- What does an intensive care nurse earn?
- An intensive care nurse has an average salary of 51 000 kronor per month.
- How do you become an intensive care nurse?
- First, a nursing degree and licensure are required, followed by a one-year specialist training in intensive care.
- Is there a salary difference between men and women?
- Yes, women earn 99% of what men do in the profession.
- What is the job market like?
- Demand is high with 375 available jobs in the profession and strong competition for specialists.
- What are the working hours?
- Shift work, often with night and weekend shifts, is common for intensive care nurses.
- What is the highest and lowest salary in the profession?
- The highest salary is 62,000 kr/month and the lowest is 46,300 kr/month, depending on experience, education, and sector.
- What qualities are important?
- Stress resilience, accuracy, teamwork skills, and technical interest are central qualities for the profession.
