Nurse, surgery salary

Salary for Operating Room Nurses

As an operating room nurse, you can expect an average salary of approximately 48 200 kronor per month. This is an increase from previous measurements where the average salary was 45 500 kronor. Men in this professional group earn an average of 51 300 kronor, while women earn 48 200 kronor, meaning that women earn 93% of what men do in this profession.

Job Responsibilities of Operating Room Nurses

Operating room nurses, also known as perioperative nurses, play a critical role in healthcare. Their main responsibilities include assisting surgeons during operations, preparing the operating room and instruments, and monitoring the patient's condition before, during, and after surgical procedures. It is a profession that requires high precision, accuracy, and the ability to work under pressure.

Education and Qualifications

To become an operating room nurse, a nursing license is required, which means having completed a nursing degree at the university level (180 ECTS credits). Subsequently, further education in perioperative nursing is needed, usually involving a specialized training program lasting about a year of full-time studies (60 ECTS credits). This specialized training provides deeper knowledge in surgery and operative techniques.

Job Outlook

The profession of operating room nurse has promising job prospects. According to forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service, the opportunities for employment are expected to be high, both in the short and long term. Demand for operating room nurses is projected to increase in the next five years. However, there is a paradoxical situation in the labor market: it is difficult to recruit operating room nurses, while a high percentage of professionals work part-time or leave the profession.

Benefits and Working Conditions

Operating room nurses can often expect benefits such as paid further education, which is a significant advantage when wanting to deepen expertise in their specialty. Other common benefits may include a paid mobile phone and flexible working hours. The work environment is often challenging but rewarding, with good opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Considerations for Becoming an Operating Room Nurse

Working as an operating room nurse requires both mental and physical endurance. One should be prepared to work in a stressful environment where quick and accurate decisions are crucial. Strong communication skills and good collaboration with colleagues are also important. If you are passionate about making a difference in patients' lives and enjoy working in a dynamic environment, this may be the right profession for you.