What does a nurse in medicine do? – Tasks and work environment
A nurse in medicine is responsible for providing care and medical treatment to patients in medical wards, such as internal medicine or emergency care. Tasks include administering medications, monitoring vital signs, coordinating care efforts, and documenting patient progress. The work environment is often characterized by a fast pace, shift work, and close collaboration with doctors, assistant nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Patient contact is central and requires both medical competence and the ability to respond empathetically.
Salary development over time
The salary for a nurse in medicine has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,100 SEK per month, rising to 42 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 43 900 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 6.8% over the three-year period. Factors driving this increase include increased demand for licensed healthcare personnel, changing working conditions, and employer initiatives to enhance the profession's attractiveness. Despite this progress, some differences remain between genders and regions, with salary levels varying depending on employer, education, and experience.
Nurse in medicine salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 43 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 40,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
- Highest salary: 77,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, research education)
- Hourly wage (average): 264 SEK
- Women earn: 43 700 SEK/month (96 % of men's average salary)
- Men earn: 45 400 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and employer
Education and qualifications
To work as a nurse in medicine, licensure as a nurse is required, obtained after completing a university-level education. The education includes both theoretical studies and practical periods in various healthcare settings. Specialization in medicine usually occurs through work experience or further training. Admission to the program requires basic eligibility and specific prerequisites in certain subjects.
- Education: Nursing program, 3 years (180 ECTS), college/university
- Licensure: The National Board of Health and Welfare issues licensure after graduation
- Practical training: Included in the education (VFU – clinical practice)
- Further training: Possible to undertake specialist training in medicine
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and specific knowledge in biology, chemistry, and mathematics
Nurses in medicine encounter a wide variety of patient cases daily, making the profession both rewarding and challenging. The ability to adapt quickly to new situations and find solutions is crucial in daily work. The continuous development of medical treatments means learning never stops.
Common benefits and compensations
Nurses in medicine are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, evening and weekend shift supplements, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Pension schemes and insurance coverage are standard parts of employment terms, and many employers also provide work clothing and subsidized meals.
Competition and challenges
The job market for nurses in medicine is characterized by high demand and recurring recruitment difficulties, despite a relatively large number of qualified professionals. The so-called paradox is that unemployment is low, but staff turnover and part-time work are common. Challenges include high pace, emotionally demanding tasks, and the need for ongoing skills development. Workload, shift work, and the risk of burnout affect the work environment. At the same time, the profession offers good opportunities for development and specialization.
Tips for those aspiring to become a nurse in medicine
To succeed as a nurse in medicine, it is good to combine accuracy with the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. A strong interest in people's health and well-being facilitates patient interactions in various situations. Being communicative and team-oriented is central, as much of the work is team-based. Flexibility and adaptability are important traits, as workdays rarely look the same. Gaining practical experience early through summer jobs or internships is recommended, as well as staying updated on new research in medicine. Empathy and patience help build trust and security for patients. Finally, developing stress resilience and finding recovery strategies in a demanding work environment are valuable.
Key facts about Nurse in medicine
- Education level: University degree (3 years), licensure required
- Work environment: Hospitals and health centers, often shift work
- Demand: Very high, 375 available jobs in the profession
- Typical employment form: Full-time, but part-time work occurs
- Gender distribution: Predominantly women, but men have higher average salaries
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a nurse in medicine, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles such as ward manager, nurse educator, or to further specialize as a nurse specialist in fields like internal medicine or emergency care. Employment forecasts from the Public Employment Service indicate very large opportunities for work, with demand expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Despite recruitment challenges, unemployment remains low, and the profession offers good career development options both in public and private sectors. Specialization, research, and teaching are alternative paths for those seeking further development.
Common questions about Nurse in medicine
- What is the average salary for a nurse in medicine?
- The average salary is 43 900 SEK per month.
- How large is the salary difference between women and men?
- Women earn 43 700 SEK, which corresponds to 96 % of men's average salary at 45 400 SEK.
- What education is required to become a nurse in medicine?
- Nursing degree from college/university (3 years) and licensure issued by the National Board of Health and Welfare.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
- Highest salary is 77,200 SEK (male, public sector, research education), lowest is 40,700 SEK (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education of 3 years or more).
- What does the job market look like for nurses in medicine?
- Demand is very high, with 375 available jobs in the profession.
- What are the most common workplaces?
- Hospitals, health centers, and other healthcare facilities.
- Are there opportunities for further education?
- Yes, several specialist training programs in medicine and opportunities for research and teaching.
