Assistant nurse, nursing assistant

What does a nursing assistant, care assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

Nursing assistants and care assistants play a central role in Swedish healthcare and social services. Their tasks include providing support and assistance to the elderly, sick, or individuals with disabilities, both in home care and in specialized residences. This can involve helping with personal hygiene, meals, medication, and social activities, as well as observing and reporting changes in patients’ health conditions. The work is often team-based alongside nurses and other professionals, but independent responsibility is common. The work environment is characterized by close contact with people, variety, but also physically and emotionally demanding tasks, especially during inconvenient hours such as evenings, nights, and weekends.

Salary development over time

The salaries for nursing assistants and care assistants have steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,700 SEK per month, rising to 31 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 32 800 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 6.8% over three years. This trend reflects the high demand for nursing assistants and care assistants, as well as national investments in elderly care. Rising wages can also be explained by staff shortages and increased skill requirements, driving up compensation levels in both municipal and private sectors.

Nursing assistant, care assistant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 32 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,100 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, less than 9 years of education)
• Highest salary: 35,800 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, up to 2 years of upper secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 197 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Women's average salary: 32 900 SEK/month (102% of men's salary)
• Men's average salary: 32 300 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salaries vary depending on region and employer, generally higher in metropolitan areas and within municipal sectors.

Education and qualifications

To work as a nursing assistant or care assistant, a vocational upper secondary education in health and social care is usually required. The education provides both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, with additional courses or certifications being advantageous. Employers may sometimes require experience or specific specializations, such as dementia care or palliative care.

• Vocational upper secondary education: 3 years
• Adult education (Komvux): Possible for adults, often 1–2 years
• Practical training/Work placement: Included in the education
• Specialized courses: e.g., dementia, psychiatry, or emergency care
• Prerequisites: Basic schooling for upper secondary education
• Certification: Formal title of nursing assistant from 2023

Common benefits and compensations

The profession often offers benefits such as shift allowances for evening and weekend work, wellness contributions, paid further training, and sometimes extra vacation days. Many employers also provide pension contributions, insurance, work clothing, and access to occupational health services.

Challenges and competition

The demand for nursing assistants and care assistants is high and expected to increase further due to an aging population. At the same time, there is a paradoxical recruitment situation where many work part-time, which can complicate matching supply and demand. The work is physically and emotionally demanding, with risks of stress and musculoskeletal injuries. Despite good employment prospects, high demands are placed on flexibility, patience, and continuous skill development to meet evolving care needs and methods.

Tips for those who want to become a nursing assistant, care assistant

To succeed as a nursing assistant or care assistant, it’s beneficial to have a genuine interest in helping others and to be attentive to people's needs. Developing strong empathy is crucial, as interactions often influence the patient’s sense of safety and dignity. Precision and responsibility are important qualities, especially in medication handling and documentation. Flexibility makes it easier when workdays can change quickly, and teamwork skills are essential for functioning well in a team. It’s also recommended to seek internships early in different settings to gain broad experience and build contacts. Continuing education, such as courses in dementia or palliative care, can increase employability and open up more career opportunities.

Key facts about nursing assistant, care assistant

• Education level: Vocational upper secondary education
• Work environment: Healthcare and social services, often in teams
• Working hours: Shift work, including evenings and weekends
• Demand: Very high, increasing in the future
• Specializations: Possible within areas such as dementia, palliative care

Career paths and outlook

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open for specialization, such as becoming a specialist nurse in dementia, palliative care, or psychiatry. Further education can lead to roles as a coordinator, supervisor, or trainer within healthcare. Some choose to study further to become a registered nurse or other healthcare professions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, the employment prospects remain strong nationally, with expected growth over the next five years. The development is driven mainly by demographic changes and increased quality demands in elder care. The number of available jobs is high, with 375 positions registered in the latest survey.

Frequently asked questions about nursing assistant, care assistant

• What does a nursing assistant, care assistant earn?
  - The average salary is 32 800 SEK per month, but the salary varies depending on experience, education, and employer.
• What education is required to become a nursing assistant?
  - A vocational upper secondary education in health and social care, or adult education (Komvux), is required to work as a nursing assistant.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 102% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the job market like for nursing assistants?
  - The job market is very good with great opportunities for employment and increasing demand.
• What are the duties of a nursing assistant?
  - Duties include personal care, medication management, social support, and documentation.
• Can I specialize within the profession?
  - Yes, there are opportunities for further training in areas such as dementia care or psychiatry.
• What are the career paths?
  - With experience and further education, you can become a coordinator, supervisor, or pursue studies to become a nurse.