Patient monitor

What does a patient monitor do? – tasks and work environment

A patient monitor works closely with patients within healthcare, responsible for observing and reporting patients' conditions. Tasks include monitoring vital signs, documenting changes, and communicating with healthcare staff when intervention is needed. The work often takes place in teams with nurses and assistant nurses, where the patient monitor acts as an important support to ensure safety and security for patients. The work environment is typically within hospitals, health centers, or other healthcare facilities, where the pace can be high and workload varies depending on department and patient flow.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for patient monitors has shown a clear positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 29 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary increased further to 30 200 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 11.4% over the three-year period. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for healthcare personnel, especially in monitoring and supportive roles, as well as general wage pressures within the healthcare sector. It is also clear that employers value continuous skills development and experience, which may have contributed to the positive trend. At the same time, the job market for patient monitors has expanded, creating more career opportunities and pushing the average salary upward.

Patient monitor salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, pre-secondary education <9 years)
• Highest salary: 41,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, research education)
• Hourly wage (average): 181 SEK
• Women earn: 30 400 SEK/month (102% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 29 800 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salaries vary between regions, but the largest variations are often found between urban and rural areas and between different employer sectors.

Education and qualifications

To work as a patient monitor, a general healthcare education at upper secondary level is usually required, often with specialization in care and health. Many employers also require specific courses in medical monitoring, CPR, and patient safety. Practical experience from healthcare settings is highly valued, and some workplaces offer internal introductory training or trainee programs for new employees.

• Upper secondary healthcare and care education: 3 years
• Courses in medical monitoring and CPR: often required
• Internships in healthcare: strongly recommended
• Internal introductory programs: common with larger employers
• Prerequisites: good Swedish language skills in speech and writing, basic healthcare knowledge

Common benefits and compensations

Patient monitors are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, overtime allowances for evening and weekend work, and wellness contributions. Other common benefits may include subsidized lunches, work clothing, and opportunities for skills development. Secure employment and access to staff support are also common in the profession.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a patient monitor varies depending on region and employer. In larger cities, there may be more applicants per position, while smaller towns often experience higher demand for staff. A challenge in the profession is the psychological strain that can arise from working with seriously ill or anxious patients, as well as the responsibility that comes with being able to act quickly if the patient's condition changes. The work environment can be physically demanding and requires flexibility and stress resilience. Additionally, it is important to stay updated on routines and safety regulations.

Tips for those who want to become a patient monitor

To succeed as a patient monitor, it is good to combine attentiveness with empathy and a strong sense of responsibility. Developing good communication skills is crucial, as clear reporting and collaboration with colleagues are central to the work. Flexibility and stress resilience are needed to handle unexpected situations and quickly adapt to patients' needs. It is also important to have patience and the ability to build trust with patients, especially in stressful or worrying situations. Continuously furthering education in relevant areas increases chances of employment and development. Finally, initiative and decision-making skills are valuable, as the tasks often require independent action.

Key facts about Patient Monitor

• Salary range: 26,500–41,700 SEK/month
• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Education level: Upper secondary healthcare education
• Work environment: Hospitals, health centers, and other healthcare facilities
• Demand: 375 available jobs in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a patient monitor, opportunities open to take on more responsibility or move on to roles such as assistant nurse, care coordinator, or specialist in monitoring. Further education can lead to positions in emergency care or specialized monitoring units. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that the profession is part of a broader group where demand is generally stable, although there is no specific assessment for patient monitors. The number of available jobs in the broader healthcare and care personnel group is currently 375, indicating good prospects for those seeking employment. The future outlook is therefore positive, especially for those willing to further their education and take on new challenges.

Frequently asked questions about Patient Monitor

• What does a patient monitor earn?
  - A patient monitor has an average salary of 30 200 SEK per month, but the salary can vary between 26,500 SEK and 41,700 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a patient monitor?
  - General healthcare and care education at upper secondary level is usually required, supplemented with courses in medical monitoring and CPR.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 30 400 SEK while men earn 29 800 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
• What does the job market look like for patient monitors?
  - Currently, there are 375 available jobs within the profession, indicating a good demand.
• What tasks does a patient monitor have?
  - Tasks include monitoring patients, reporting changes, and collaborating with healthcare staff.
• What further education opportunities are available?
  - Further education can lead to roles such as assistant nurse, care coordinator, or specialist in monitoring.