What does a nurse within elderly care do? – Tasks and work environment
A nurse within elderly care works to meet the healthcare needs of older patients, often in specialized housing, home healthcare, or on geriatric wards. Tasks include medical follow-up, medication management, coordinating interventions with other professionals, and providing support to both patients and relatives. The work requires close collaboration with doctors, physiotherapists, and assistant nurses, with a focus on promoting health, quality of life, and independence for the elderly individual. The work environment can be challenging due to the complex needs of patients, but also very rewarding thanks to long-term patient relationships and the opportunity to make a significant difference in people's daily lives.
Salary development over time
The salary for a nurse within elderly care has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,100 SEK per month, rising in 2023 to 42 700 SEK, which corresponds to an increase of about 3.9%. In 2024, the average salary reached 44 000 SEK, another increase of approximately 3% from the previous year. This salary development reflects both the increased demand for geriatric nurses—due to an aging population—and ongoing efforts to improve working conditions within the healthcare sector. At the same time, the job market has been characterized by a certain balance between supply and demand, contributing to a more stable salary development without major peaks or dips.
Salary overview for nurses within elderly care – comprehensive guide
- Average salary: 44 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 42,600 SEK/month (female, public sector, research education)
- Highest salary: 54,400 SEK/month (male, private sector, research education)
- Hourly rate: 265 SEK/hour
- Women’s salary as % of men’s: 98%
- Women’s average salary: 43 900 SEK/month
- Men’s average salary: 45 000 SEK/month
Many nurses within elderly care experience that the work offers unique opportunities for deeper patient relationships, thanks to long-term contact and a holistic view of the elderly person's life situation. This can give a special sense of meaning and personal development.
Education and qualifications
To work as a nurse within elderly care, a license as a nurse is required, which involves a three-year university program. Advanced knowledge in geriatrics, often through specialist training, is meritorious and sometimes a requirement for certain positions. Practical experience working with elderly patients is highly valuable and can be complemented with courses in dementia, palliative care, and leadership.
- Nursing degree: 3 years (180 credits) at university
- Specialist training in geriatrics: 1 year (master’s level), often meritorious
- License: Required for practice
- Practical training: Included throughout the program
- Courses in dementia, palliative care, and ethics: Recommended
Common benefits and compensations
Nurses within elderly care are often offered benefits such as extra vacation weeks, wellness allowances, professional development, and opportunities for paid further education. Shift and overtime allowances are common, as are pension contributions according to collective agreements. Some employers also offer subsidized lunches or staff discounts.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a nurse within elderly care is currently moderate, according to national forecasts. The recruitment situation is characterized by balance, but over the next five years, demand is expected to increase, mainly due to the aging population. Challenges in the profession include a high pace, complex care needs, and sometimes resource shortages. At the same time, there are great opportunities for those who wish to develop further, for example by taking on leadership roles or specializing further in elderly care. The number of available jobs is substantial, with 375 current openings within the profession.
Tips for those wanting to become a nurse within elderly care
To succeed as a nurse within elderly care, it is good to have strong empathy, as the work often involves close contact with patients and relatives in sensitive situations. Being careful and structured facilitates medication management and documentation, while flexibility and stress resilience are needed to handle unforeseen events in daily work. Good collaboration with colleagues and other professionals is crucial for creating a safe and effective care environment. The ability to communicate clearly and empathetically contributes to better patient interactions and reduces misunderstandings. Actively seeking further education and staying updated on new research within geriatrics also provides better opportunities for both professional and personal development.
Key facts about nurses within elderly care
- Education level: Nursing degree (3 years), often with specialist training
- Work environment: Specialized housing, home healthcare, geriatric ward
- Demand: Expected to increase over the next five years
- Average salary: 44 000 SEK/month
- Number of available jobs: 375 (May 2024, national)
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years as a nurse within elderly care, there are opportunities to further specialize as a geriatric or dementia nurse. Other development paths include leadership roles such as unit manager, care developer, or supervisor for new colleagues and students. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that the job market is balanced for geriatric nurses, but demand is expected to increase significantly over five years, especially due to a growing elderly population. Many employers also invest in professional development and offer opportunities for research or project work within quality improvement. The industry is therefore considered to have good future prospects for those wishing to grow within their profession.
Frequently asked questions about nurses within elderly care
- What does a nurse within elderly care earn?
- The average salary is 44 000 SEK/month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector.
- How does one become a nurse within elderly care?
- A license as a nurse is required, often with specialist training in geriatrics as a merit.
- Are there many job opportunities for nurses within elderly care?
- Yes, there are approximately 375 available jobs nationwide.
- What are common benefits?
- Common benefits include extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and professional development.
- What do gender pay differences look like?
- Women earn 98% of men's salaries within the profession.
- What are the future prospects?
- The demand for nurses in elderly care is expected to increase, especially due to an aging population.
- What education is required?
- A university nursing degree (3 years) and a license are required, preferably supplemented with specialist training.
