MAS (Medically Responsible Nurse)

What does an MAS do within municipal health and social care? – Tasks and work environment

An MAS (Medical Responsible Nurse) holds the ultimate medical responsibility to ensure that municipal health and social care are provided according to applicable laws and quality standards. Tasks include developing and following up routines, investigating deviations, supervising staff, and ensuring that care recipients receive safe and appropriate care. The role also involves close collaboration with operational managers, licensed personnel, and sometimes external authorities. The work environment is often office-based but requires regular visits to the facilities, involving both administrative work and direct contact with healthcare staff and patients.

Salary development over time

The salary of an MAS (Medical Responsible Nurse) has shown a steady increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 42,100 SEK per month, rising the following year to 44 000 SEK. In 2024, the average salary has reached 45 500 SEK, representing an increase of about 8% over two years. This positive trend can partly be explained by an increased focus on quality and safety in healthcare, as well as high demand for experienced and competent nurses with specialist responsibilities. Since the role involves extensive responsibility and requires further education, employers have had to adjust salary levels to attract and retain the right skills. Although the salary growth is stable, it is influenced by regional budget conditions and the national shortage of specialist nurses.

MAS (Medical Responsible Nurse) salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 45 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 43,100 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 58,600 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 274 SEK
• Women: 45 400 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
• Men: 46 500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on municipality and region, but generally the highest salaries are found in metropolitan areas and larger municipalities.

Education and qualifications

To work as an MAS (Medical Responsible Nurse), licensure as a nurse and several years of professional experience are required, preferably within municipal health and social care or geriatrics. Further training to become a specialist nurse, for example in elderly care, is often a requirement or highly advantageous. In addition to formal education, the ability to work independently, lead development projects, and interpret legislation is often sought after.

• Licensed nurse: Basic education, 3 years (university)
• Specialist nurse degree: Usually 1 year (master's level), e.g., in elderly care or district nursing
• Work experience: Several years of clinical experience, often within municipal care
• Professional development: Courses in leadership, quality assurance, and legislation recommended
• Prerequisites: Licensure and experience as a nurse

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, MAS often receive benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, opportunities for professional development, and sometimes also occupational pension with favorable terms. In some cases, flexible working hours and remote work options may also be available, depending on the employer's policies and regional needs.

Competition and challenges

The job market for MAS is characterized by a limited number of positions and high requirements for experience, which can make competition intense for advertised roles. At the same time, demand remains stable due to the increasing need for quality assurance in municipal care. Challenges often include managing complex legislation, leading change initiatives, and prioritizing administrative versus medical tasks. The role also requires quick decision-making in difficult ethical situations, demanding both personal maturity and professional integrity.

Tips for those aiming to become MAS in elderly care

To succeed as an MAS (Medical Responsible Nurse), it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a strong commitment to patient safety. Building broad experience within municipal care and regularly pursuing further education, especially in legislation and quality work, is valuable. Good communication skills help build trust both internally and externally, while independence and decisiveness facilitate quick actions when needed. Being organized and able to work systematically is crucial to managing the broad responsibilities. Finally, being attentive and empathetic is important, as the role often involves supporting both patients and colleagues in difficult situations.

Key facts about MAS (Medical Responsible Nurse)

• Education level: Licensure as a nurse + specialist training
• Work environment: Office-based with regular facility visits
• Common employment: Permanent position in the public sector
• Demand: Stable but with limited positions
• Special skills: Quality assurance, legislation, supervision

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an MAS, there are opportunities to advance into senior management roles within municipal health and social care, such as operations manager or quality manager. Some choose to specialize further in areas like patient safety, education, or regional development projects. According to the Employment Service, no specific forecast is made for MAS, but the group of other specialist nurses has a steady number of available jobs (375 current listings). Since the role is crucial for quality and safety in elderly care, the need is expected to remain high, although the number of positions is limited and recruitment varies between regions.

Frequently asked questions about MAS (Medical Responsible Nurse)

• What does an MAS (Medical Responsible Nurse) earn?
  - An MAS has an average salary of 45 500 SEK per month. The hourly wage is approximately 274 SEK.
• What education is required to become an MAS?
  - Licensure as a nurse and further training to become a specialist nurse, often combined with several years of professional experience.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What are the future prospects for MAS?
  - The demand is stable, but the number of positions is limited, and many regions have ongoing recruitment needs.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for an MAS?
  - The highest salary is 58,600 SEK/month and the lowest is 43,100 SEK/month, depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• Who are the most common employers for MAS?
  - Municipalities and regions are the most common employers, mainly within elderly care and primary health care.