What does a surgical nurse do? – Tasks and work environment
A surgical nurse plays a central role in the care team at surgical wards and operating units. The work involves being responsible for patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures. Tasks include preoperative preparations, assisting during surgeries, postoperative monitoring and pain management, as well as informing and supporting patients and relatives. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, advanced medical equipment, and close collaboration with doctors, assistant nurses, and other healthcare staff. Surgical nurses often work shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and on-call duties.
Salary development over time
The salary for a surgical nurse has shown a stable and positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,100 SEK per month, increasing to 42 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 43 900 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.8% over the period. Salaries have increased somewhat faster in recent years, which can be explained by increased demand for specialist competence in surgical care and a general trend towards higher wages in the healthcare sector. Other factors influencing salary development include region, employer type, and education level, with research-trained nurses potentially reaching significantly higher salary levels.
Surgical nurse salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 43 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 40,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector)
- Highest salary: 77,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, research education)
- Hourly wage: 264 SEK/hour
- Women: 43 700 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
- Men: 45 400 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Some variation depending on labor market and employer
Experience in surgical care often provides opportunities to participate in development projects and quality work, which can open doors to roles such as training nurse or healthcare developer. It is common for surgical nurses to work with advanced technology and be involved in rapid medical decision-making, providing a dynamic and educational workday.
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a surgical nurse begins with a nursing education at college or university. After obtaining a license, further training and practical experience in surgical care are often required to gain employment in surgical wards or operating units. Specialization and certifications can provide advanced competence and increase career opportunities.
- Basic education: Nursing degree, 3 years (180 hp)
- License: Swedish nursing license required
- Specialization: Further training in surgical care is recommended
- Practical training: Clinical practice included in the education
- Experience: Practical experience in surgical wards is often advantageous
Common benefits and compensations
Surgical nurses are often covered by collective agreements and offered benefits such as extra vacation days, evening and weekend work supplements, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skills development. Some employers also provide pension contributions beyond statutory levels, on-call compensation, and access to occupational health services.
Competition and challenges
Despite high demand for surgical nurses, there is a paradoxical situation in the labor market: there are both recruitment difficulties and a relatively high proportion of part-time work or people leaving the profession. Reasons include workload, inconvenient working hours, and the requirement for continuous skills development. Competition for permanent positions at larger hospitals can be tough, especially for recent graduates, while opportunities are greater in regions with high staff turnover. Staying updated on new methods and technology is essential for continued growth in the profession.
Tips for those wanting to become a surgical nurse
To succeed as a surgical nurse, it is good to have a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to work structured even under pressure. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with patients and colleagues, especially when quick decisions need to be made. Flexibility and adaptability are important qualities, as the workday often involves unexpected situations. It is recommended to actively seek internships in surgical care to build experience and networks early. Continuing education and taking initiative in skills development provide advantages in the job market. Engagement for patients' well-being and an interest in medical technology are also valuable assets. Finally, it is important to prioritize self-recovery to manage a physically and mentally demanding profession.
Key facts about surgical nurses
- Salary range: 40,700–77,200 SEK/month
- Education level: Nursing degree (3 years), license required
- Work environment: Shift work, high pace, advanced medical technology
- Demand: Great employment opportunities, 375 job openings
- Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years as a surgical nurse, there are opportunities to further specialize, for example as operating room nurse, anesthesia nurse, or move into roles such as healthcare developer or training nurse. Some combine clinical work with research or teaching. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the opportunities for employment remain large nationwide, although the recruitment situation is characterized by a paradox – there is both a high demand and high turnover in the profession. The need is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, providing good career opportunities for those wishing to develop within the field. Currently, there are 375 job openings for nurses in Sweden.
Common questions about surgical nurses
- What does a surgical nurse earn?
- The average salary is 43 900 SEK/month, with a range from 40,700 to 77,200 SEK/month depending on experience, education, and sector.
- What are the gender differences in salary?
- Women earn an average of 43 700 SEK/month and men 45 400 SEK/month, which means women earn 96% of men's salaries.
- What education is required to work as a surgical nurse?
- A nursing degree from college/university (3 years) and a license are required. Further specialization in surgery is advantageous.
- What are the future prospects for surgical nurses?
- The job market is considered very good with great opportunities and stable demand over the next five years.
- What are the most common tasks in surgical care?
- Pre- and post-operative care, assisting during surgeries, pain management, and patient information are central parts of the work.
- Are there regional salary differences?
- Yes, salaries can vary depending on region, employer, and experience.
