Respirator guard

What does a respirator nurse do? – duties and work environment

A respirator nurse primarily works within healthcare and is responsible for monitoring patients dependent on ventilator treatment. The work involves carefully observing the patient’s condition, checking the ventilator’s function, and acting quickly in case of deviations or alarms. The role also includes close collaboration with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare staff to ensure the patient receives safe and secure respiratory care. The work environment is often intense and requires great precision and the ability to handle stressful situations, especially in intensive care units or during transport of critically ill patients.

Salary development over time

The salary for a respirator nurse has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK per month, rising to 29 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 30 200 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 11% during this period. This positive trend is linked to increased demand for healthcare personnel with specialized skills, changing working conditions, and a greater focus on the work environment in intensive care. Investments in healthcare and the need for qualified staff have contributed to salaries for respirator nurses gradually approaching the average for other healthcare professionals. However, salary levels still vary depending on education, sector, and experience.

Respirator nurse salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, lower education)
• Highest salary: 41,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 181 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 102% of what men do (women: 30 400 SEK, men: 29 800 SEK)
• Regional differences: No specific information available about regional variations

Education and qualifications

To work as a respirator nurse, a basic healthcare education is usually required, often as a nursing assistant, supplemented with specialized training in respiratory care and handling medical equipment. Practical experience from intensive care or emergency care is highly advantageous, and employers may sometimes offer internal training programs to ensure the right competence level. Certifications and continuing education in the field are common to meet the high safety standards required.

• Formal education: Secondary healthcare education, often as a nursing assistant (3 years)
• Additional courses: Respiratory care, medical technology
• Certifications: Often required to have proof of completed internal training in ventilator care
• Practical experience: Experience from intensive care units or similar environments is advantageous
• Prerequisites: Basic medical knowledge and good understanding of patient safety

Common benefits and compensations

Respirator nurses often have access to benefits such as night and weekend shift allowances, additional compensation for standby, and wellness contributions. Opportunities for further training and skills development are often offered by employers. Working hours can vary, and shift work is common, which in some cases provides additional allowances and time off.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a respirator nurse is moderate, partly because the profession requires specific skills and often experience from intensive care environments. Challenges include managing stressful situations, working long shifts, and taking responsibility for critically ill patients. Workload can be high, especially during periods of increased patient volume or staff shortages. Continuous training is necessary to stay updated on new technology and routines. Limited data makes it difficult to precisely forecast future competition, but the need for qualified healthcare staff remains high in Swedish healthcare.

Tips for aspiring respirator nurses

To succeed as a respirator nurse, it is important to have a strong sense of responsibility and attentiveness, as the work often involves monitoring patients with life-critical needs. Being resilient under pressure is crucial, as you often work in intensive care environments with quick decision-making. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with other healthcare staff, while technical interest helps you quickly learn advanced equipment. Showing empathy and sensitivity towards patients and their families creates a sense of security. Flexibility is an advantage, since working hours can be irregular and tasks change rapidly. Finally, a continuous interest in developing your skills is beneficial, as the profession requires ongoing education and adaptation to new routines.

Key facts about respirator nurses

• Salary range: 26,500–41,700 SEK/month
• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Education level: Secondary healthcare education + specialized courses
• Work environment: Hospitals, often intensive care units
• Demand: 375 job openings within the profession (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience, opportunities open to further train as an intensive care nurse assistant, anesthesia assistant, or take on mentoring responsibilities for new colleagues. The broad technical and medical knowledge gained can also lead to roles in medical technology support or training. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, no specific assessment is made for this profession, but there is generally a high demand for healthcare staff in intensive care and related fields. The current number of job openings is 375, reflecting a stable job market. The future outlook is therefore positive for those wishing to develop further within healthcare or specialize in respiratory care.

Frequently asked questions about respirator nurses

• What does a respirator nurse earn?
  - An average respirator nurse earns 30 200 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 30 400 SEK while men earn 29 800 SEK, meaning women earn 102% of what men do.
• What is required to become a respirator nurse?
  - A secondary healthcare education, usually as a nursing assistant, along with additional courses and practical training in respiratory care.
• What does the job market look like for respirator nurses?
  - Currently, there are 375 job openings in the profession, indicating strong demand.
• In what work environments does a respirator nurse operate?
  - Usually in hospitals, especially in intensive care units or during emergency patient transports.
• How has the salary developed?
  - Salaries have increased by approximately 11% over the past three years, from 27,100 SEK (2022) to 30 200 SEK (2024).
• What opportunities are there for further education?
  - There are good opportunities to specialize in intensive care, anesthesia, or medical technology after a few years in the profession.