Nurse, geriatrics

What does a nurse within geriatrics do? – Tasks and work environment

A nurse within geriatrics is responsible for care and medical interventions for elderly patients, often with complex and long-term illnesses. Tasks include medication management, assessment of patients’ health status, creating care plans, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals. The work is usually carried out in geriatric wards, nursing homes, or home healthcare, requiring both medical expertise and an empathetic approach. The work environment is often characterized by a fast pace, varied tasks, and close collaboration with colleagues and relatives.

Salary development over time

The salary for nurses within geriatrics has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,100 SEK per month, which increased to 42 700 SEK in 2023. The latest data for 2024 shows a further increase to 44 000 SEK, representing a total increase of about 7% over three years. This growth can be linked to increased demand for specialist competence in geriatrics, an aging population, and general market pressure for experienced nurses. Salary increases have also been influenced by national agreements and efforts to retain and recruit nurses in elder care. Despite some leveling off, salary development is expected to continue positively as the need for geriatric expertise increases.

Geriatric nurse salary – comprehensive overview

• 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 wage: 265 SEK/hour
• Gender salary gap: Women earn 98% of men's salary (women 43 900 SEK, men 45 000 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary slightly between regions and employers

Education and qualifications

To work as a geriatric nurse, a license as a registered nurse is required, obtained after completing nursing education at university or college. Many choose to further specialize in geriatrics through additional training, which provides in-depth knowledge of the specific needs of elderly patients. Internships and clinical experience in elder care are often advantageous and sometimes a requirement for certain positions.

• Nursing degree: 3 years (basic level, college/university)
• Specialist training in geriatrics: 1 year (advanced training)
• License: Issued by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare after graduation
• Internship: Part of basic education, experience in elder care is advantageous
• Courses/continuing education: Opportunities for further training in areas such as dementia care, palliative care

Common benefits and compensations

Geriatric nurses are often offered benefits such as night shift supplements for evening and weekend work, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development and further education. Some employers may also provide pension contributions beyond the standard, subsidized lunches, or staff discounts. Extra compensation for work during inconvenient hours is common in both public and private sectors.

Challenges and competition

The competition for positions in geriatrics is moderate, but employers often seek nurses with specialist competence and experience in elder care. Challenges in the profession include managing complex care needs, sometimes with limited resources, and working with patients who have both physical and mental health issues. The work can be emotionally demanding and require high stress tolerance, while also emphasizing the importance of continuous professional development to meet new treatment methods and care models. The shortage of experienced geriatric nurses is expected to increase demand for the profession in the future.

Tips for aspiring geriatric nurses

To succeed as a geriatric nurse, it is good to combine empathy with a structured approach and high stress tolerance. Being attentive and communicative helps both in patient interactions and collaboration with colleagues and relatives. An interest in medical questions and a willingness to continue education are crucial to stay updated in the field. Precision in medication management and documentation, patience, and perseverance are necessary for handling long care processes and complex situations. Flexibility and adaptability are important qualities, as the work environment can vary greatly between different care settings. Building good teamwork skills also provides significant advantages in daily work.

Key facts about geriatric nurses

• Education level: Nursing degree + specialist training (3–4 years)
• Salary range: 42,600–54,400 SEK/month
• Average hourly wage: 265 SEK
• Typical work environment: Geriatric ward, nursing home, home healthcare
• Demand: 375 job openings, increasing need according to forecasts

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open for further specialization, such as care unit manager, educator, or clinical leader. Many choose to deepen their expertise in areas like dementia care, palliative care, or rehabilitation for the elderly. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecast, job prospects are currently moderate, but demand is expected to increase over the next five years, driven by a growing elderly population. The recruitment situation is currently balanced, but continued investment in specialist competence is expected to provide good career opportunities and increased salary growth for those who further their education. The profession currently has 375 job openings, indicating an active labor market with multiple career paths at local and national levels.

Frequently asked questions about geriatric nursing

• What does a geriatric nurse earn?
  - The average salary is 44 000 SEK per month, but it varies between 42,600 and 54,400 SEK depending on experience, education, and employer.
• How does salary development look for geriatric nurses?
  - The salary has increased by about 7% over three years, from 41,100 SEK in 2022 to 44 000 SEK in 2024.
• What education is required to work in geriatrics?
  - Basic requirements are a nursing degree, often supplemented with specialist training in geriatrics.
• Are there gender differences in salary for geriatric nurses?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is expected to increase over the next five years, especially due to an aging population.
• What are the most common workplaces?
  - Geriatric wards, nursing homes, and home healthcare are the most common work environments.
• How many job openings are available for geriatric nurses?
  - There are currently 375 job openings in the profession.