Quality coordinator, care and nursing

What does a quality coordinator do in healthcare and social care? – Tasks and work environment

A quality coordinator in healthcare and social care works on developing, implementing, and following up on quality initiatives within operations such as elder care, support for individuals with disabilities, or healthcare services. Tasks include analyzing routines, designing guidelines, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and training and supporting staff in quality matters. The role often involves leading projects, managing deviations, and initiating improvement efforts to enhance patient safety and user experience. The work environment is typically office-based, but the role also involves close collaboration with managers, healthcare staff, and sometimes external actors, requiring good communication skills and the ability to handle complex issues.

Salary development over time

Salaries for quality coordinators in healthcare and social care have steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 42,100 SEK, followed by an increase to 44 000 SEK in 2023. The positive trend has continued in 2024, with the current average salary at 45 500 SEK. This represents a total increase of approximately 8% over three years. The salary development reflects the growing demand for specialist skills in quality work and the higher requirements for documentation, follow-up, and compliance in healthcare and social care. The market favors experience and further education, which has contributed to salary increases aligned with industry changes.

Quality Coordinator, healthcare and social care salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 45 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 43,100 SEK/month (men), 43,200 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 58,600 SEK/month (men), 52,600 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage (average): 274 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (men: 46 500 SEK, women: 45 400 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a quality coordinator in healthcare and social care, a higher education within healthcare is usually required, such as a degree as a nurse or social worker, often complemented with additional training in quality development or leadership. Many employers seek experience from the healthcare sector and knowledge of legislation and systematic quality work. Practical experience in leading improvement projects and managing deviations is advantageous and sometimes a requirement.

• Formal degree: Nurse or social worker, typically 3–4.5 years
• Further training: Quality development, leadership, or similar courses
• Certifications: Meritorious in quality management (e.g., ISO)
• Experience: Several years of experience in healthcare or social care recommended
• Prerequisites: Basic higher education in healthcare/social work

Common benefits and compensations

Quality coordinators in healthcare and social care are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, pension contributions, flexitime, and opportunities for remote work. Sometimes, professional development, training support, and subsidized lunches are also provided, depending on the employer and sector.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a quality coordinator in healthcare and social care varies depending on the region and employer, but the profession has become more sought-after as demands for quality and patient safety increase. One of the main challenges is staying updated on changing legal requirements, new guidelines, and digital tools related to quality work. The role can be demanding as it involves managing both strategic issues and operational challenges, often with limited resources. Good communication and the ability to advocate for change are crucial for success. The number of available positions in the profession is relatively high, providing good opportunities for those with the right qualifications.

Tips for aspiring quality coordinators in healthcare and social care

To succeed as a quality coordinator, it is beneficial to have an analytical mindset and a strong ability to see connections between routines and results. Being communicative facilitates collaboration with different professional groups and makes it easier to drive change. Flexibility is important, as regulations and organizational needs often change rapidly, requiring continuous adaptation. A structured approach helps keep track of documentation and follow-up, while initiative allows for identifying new areas for improvement. Investing in further education in quality development and leadership can give an advantage, especially if aiming for greater responsibility or working in larger organizations.

Key facts about Quality Coordinator, healthcare and social care

• Education level: Higher education (nurse, social worker, or similar)
• Work environment: Office-based, often with fieldwork elements
• Job openings: 375 within the profession
• Typical employment: Permanent, daytime hours
• Professional group: Other specialist nurses

Career paths and future prospects

After gaining several years of experience as a quality coordinator in healthcare and social care, opportunities open up to advance to roles such as quality manager, organizational developer, or project leader within larger healthcare organizations. Some choose to specialize further in areas like patient safety or digitalization of healthcare processes. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecasts for the profession of other specialist nurses, it is difficult to give an exact future outlook, but demand for skills in quality development is expected to remain strong, especially with increasing requirements for documentation and compliance. Currently, the number of job openings in the profession is 375, indicating a relatively stable job market for the right qualifications.

Frequently asked questions about Quality Coordinator, healthcare and social care

• What does a quality coordinator earn in healthcare and social care?
  - The average salary is 45 500 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and employer.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn approximately 98% of what men do (men: 46 500 SEK, women: 45 400 SEK).
• What education is required to become a quality coordinator?
  - Usually, higher education such as a degree as a nurse, social worker, or equivalent, along with additional training in quality work.
• What is the job market like for quality coordinators?
  - Currently, there are 375 job openings in the profession, indicating good opportunities for qualified candidates.
• What benefits are offered?
  - Common benefits include extra vacation days, wellness allowances, pension contributions, and opportunities for professional development.
• How has the salary developed over recent years?
  - Salaries have increased from 42,100 SEK in 2022 to 45 500 SEK in 2024, an increase of about 8%.
• What are the main challenges in the profession?
  - Staying updated on legal requirements and managing change in a complex organization are some of the main challenges.