Nurse, asthma

What does a nurse with a focus on asthma do? – Tasks and work environment

A nurse specializing in asthma plays a central role in caring for patients with asthma and other allergy-related diseases. Tasks include conducting patient education, performing spirometry tests, monitoring medication treatment, and working on preventive measures. The contact with patients is often long-term and relationship-building, where advice and support to both patients and relatives constitute an important part of the work. The work environment is characterized by close collaboration with doctors, allergologists, and other specialists, and the work is usually carried out at health centers, specialist clinics, or outpatient settings.

Salary development over time

The salary for a nurse with a focus on asthma has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,100 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 42 900 SEK in 2023, reaching 43 900 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 6.8% over the three-year period. This trend reflects the continued high demand for nurses with specialist competence, as well as the increased focus on chronic diseases like asthma in primary care. Salary development differences between genders still exist, with men generally experiencing a slightly higher salary increase than women within the profession.

Nurse, asthma salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 43 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 40,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest salary: 77,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 264 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men: 45 400 SEK/month, women: 43 700 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Information not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a nurse with a focus on asthma, a license as a nurse is required, obtained after completing higher education. Many employers prefer candidates with additional training in asthma, allergy, and COPD, as well as experience from clinics or primary care. Practical skills in patient education and spirometry are also advantageous.

• Basic education: Nursing degree (3 years, university/higher education)
• Further training: Specialist training in asthma, allergy, and COPD (about 1 year, often part-time)
• Certifications: Courses in spirometry and patient education
• Practical training: Clinical practice during education and possibly a traineeship at an asthma clinic
• Prerequisites: Eligibility for university studies (grades in Swedish, English, Mathematics, Natural sciences)

Common benefits and compensations

Nurses with asthma specialization are often offered benefits such as additional paid training, wellness allowances, subsidized lunches, and flexible working hours. Compensation for unsociable hours and sometimes access to professional development programs or supervision within the specialist area are also common.

Challenges and competition

The competition for positions for nurses with specialist competence in asthma is generally low, as demand is good and the number of trained professionals is limited compared to the need. However, challenges include workload, especially in primary care where patient pressure can be high and resources sometimes insufficient. Staying updated with the latest research and guidelines in asthma care is also a challenge, as the field develops rapidly. Gender-based salary discrimination still exists, affecting the profession's attractiveness and long-term recruitment. The work environment can also vary depending on the workplace, with different levels of administrative work and patient contact.

Tips for those who want to become a nurse with a focus on asthma

To succeed as a nurse specializing in asthma, it is good to be meticulous, attentive, and engaged. Good communication skills facilitate patient education and counseling, and analytical skills are needed to interpret test results and tailor treatments. Flexibility and problem-solving abilities are important when new guidelines or routines are introduced, and empathy helps in meeting patients with chronic conditions. Continuing education and networking are valuable for staying updated on developments in asthma care. Building good collaboration with other professionals strengthens patient outcomes and work satisfaction. Finally, patience and perseverance are required, especially during periods of high workload.

Key facts about Nurse, asthma

• Salary range: 40,700–77,200 SEK/month
• Education level: Nursing degree (3 years) + specialist training
• Work environment: Health center, specialist clinic, or outpatient care
• Typical work form: Full-time, daytime
• Demand: Great job opportunities (375 available jobs 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open to take on more responsibility, such as coordinating an asthma team or training colleagues and patients. Some choose to further specialize as a nurse in allergology or work on developing asthma management programs at regional levels. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, although recruitment may be challenged by a paradox of both a shortage of trained professionals and some career shifts. Career opportunities also exist in research, leadership, or consulting within asthma and allergy care.

Common questions about Nurse, asthma

• What does a Nurse with asthma specialization earn?
  - The average salary for a nurse with a focus on asthma is 43 900 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a nurse with a focus on asthma?
  - Basic education to become a nurse (3 years) and further training in asthma, allergy, and COPD are recommended.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn approximately 96% of what men earn in the profession.
• What is the job market like for nurses with asthma specialization?
  - Job opportunities are plentiful, with a continuous need for nurses with this expertise.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for the profession?
  - The highest salary is 77,200 SEK (male, public sector, research degree) and the lowest is 40,700 SEK (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education 3+ years).
• What tasks does a nurse with asthma specialization perform?
  - Tasks include patient education, spirometry testing, medication follow-up, and counseling.
• Where do nurses with asthma expertise work?
  - Most work at health centers, asthma clinics, or in outpatient care.