Rehabilitation nurse

What does a Rehabilitative Nurse do? – Tasks and Work Environment

Rehabilitative nurses support patients on their journey back to independent living after illness or injury. Their tasks include planning, coordinating, and following up on rehabilitation efforts, often in close collaboration with doctors, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. A central part of the role is motivating and guiding patients, as well as educating both patients and their relatives about the rehabilitation process. The work environment varies, but common workplaces include hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, health centers, and sometimes workplaces within occupational health services. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding, as it often involves contact with patients in difficult life situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for rehabilitative nurses has developed positively over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,900 SEK, which increased to 41 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 43 800 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7 percent over the three-year period. This salary growth can largely be explained by increased demand for specialist competence in rehabilitation, as well as the general need for experienced nurses in Swedish healthcare. Shortage of trained staff and an increased focus on rehabilitation within healthcare have also pushed salaries upward, as employers compete to retain and recruit qualified nurses.

Rehabilitative Nurse Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 43 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 43,200 SEK/month (male, private sector, unspecified education)
• Highest salary: 45,600 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education < 3 years)
• Hourly wage: 263 SEK
• Gender differences: Women 43 900 SEK, men – data unavailable
• Regional differences: Data on regional salary differences is unavailable

Education and Qualifications

To work as a rehabilitative nurse, a license as a nurse is required, often supplemented by additional education in rehabilitation. The educational path begins with a basic nursing degree at university level, followed by specialized courses and experience in rehabilitation. Practical experience in healthcare and rehabilitation is highly valuable, and some employers may require specific certifications or courses.

• Basic education: Nursing degree (3 years, university/higher education)
• Further education: Courses or master's degrees in rehabilitation or related fields
• Practical experience: Clinical practice during education and work experience in rehabilitation
• Prerequisites: Eligibility for higher studies, usually science-oriented high school background
• Tips for choosing: Engagement in rehabilitation, interest in interdisciplinary collaboration, good communication skills

Common Benefits and Compensation

Rehabilitative nurses often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, professional development, and extra vacation days. Many employers also offer occupational pensions, flexible working hours, and subsidized lunches. In some cases, compensation for unsociable hours and on-call duties may also be provided, depending on the workplace and employment type.

Competition and Challenges

The profession of rehabilitative nurse is characterized by a relatively small job market, and competition for positions can vary depending on region and employer. With only 375 job openings in the profession of company nurses, competition exists, but demand for specialized competence in rehabilitation is expected to increase with an aging population and increased focus on rehabilitation within healthcare. A challenge is that the work tasks can sometimes be psychologically demanding and require a good ability to handle stress and complex situations. Limited data means there are no official forecasts regarding future recruitment, but experience and further education are highly valued.

Tips for Aspiring Rehabilitative Nurses

To succeed as a rehabilitative nurse, it is beneficial to have strong empathy and patience, as the work often involves long-term support for patients with complex needs. Being communicative and clear facilitates collaboration with colleagues and patients, especially when coordinating efforts within a multidisciplinary team. Analytical skills are valuable for adapting rehabilitation plans and quickly identifying changes in the patient’s condition. Flexibility and problem-solving skills help in meeting unexpected challenges daily. It is also important to maintain your specialist competence through ongoing training and actively seek experience in different parts of the rehabilitation field. Being attentive to patients’ needs while setting boundaries is crucial for sustaining energy and growth in the role. Finally, genuine engagement in the patient’s recovery is one of the most appreciated qualities in the profession.

Key Facts about Rehabilitative Nurse

• Education level: Nursing degree + further education in rehabilitation
• Work environment: Hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, health centers
• Typical work form: Interdisciplinary team collaboration
• Demand: 375 job openings within the profession of company nurses
• Special skills: Planning and coordinating rehabilitation efforts

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After 3–5 years in the profession, a rehabilitative nurse can develop into roles such as team leader, coordinator, or specialist in specific areas like neurological or orthopedic rehabilitation. Opportunities also exist to move into education, supervision, or work on development projects within healthcare. The forecast from the Employment Service for the profession of company nurses is uncertain due to limited data, but the increasing awareness of the importance of rehabilitation and preventive measures suggests a stable demand. Both public and private sector workplaces offer variation and the possibility to specialize further over time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rehabilitative Nurse

• What does a Rehabilitative Nurse earn?
  - The average salary is 43 800 SEK per month. The highest reported salary is 45,600 SEK and the lowest 43,200 SEK.
• How to become a Rehabilitative Nurse?
  - First, a nursing degree is required, followed by further education in rehabilitation and practical experience.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Women earn an average of 43 900 SEK. Salary data for men is unavailable, but the highest salary for men is 44,000 SEK.
• What is the job market like?
  - There are 375 job openings within the profession of company nurses, but no exact forecast is available.
• Where do rehabilitative nurses work?
  - Common workplaces include hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and health centers.
• What qualities are important?
  - Empathy, communication skills, teamwork ability, and flexibility are essential.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Benefits often include wellness allowances, professional development, occupational pension, and flexible hours.