Nursing assistant salary

Introduction to the Profession of Nursing Assistant

Working as a nursing assistant means being an essential part of the healthcare team. Nursing assistants assist nurses and other healthcare personnel with basic tasks such as helping patients with personal hygiene, serving meals, and assisting them with dressing. The profession requires empathy, patience, and the ability to work efficiently in stressful conditions.

Salary Statistics for Nursing Assistants

The salary for nursing assistants has increased from 26 700 SEK to 27 900 SEK since the last measurement. Women in the profession earn an average of 28 000 SEK, which is 101% of what men earn, with men's average salary being 27 700 SEK. Hourly employees in the profession have an average hourly wage of 168 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month.

Highest and Lowest Salaries

The highest salary for a nursing assistant is 29800 SEK, belonging to a woman working in the municipal sector with a three-year high school education. The highest salary for a man in the profession is 29200 SEK. On the other hand, the lowest salary for a woman is 25700 SEK, who is privately employed with missing information about education. For men, the lowest salary is 26400 SEK.

Working Conditions and Job Duties

As a nursing assistant, you often work in nursing homes or in home care, where you assist patients with daily activities. Working hours may vary, and shift work, including evenings and weekends, is common. The profession requires good physical health as it often involves heavy lifting and standing or walking for long periods.

Education and Qualifications

Traditionally, working as a nursing assistant does not require formal education, but many employers prefer candidates with a high school education in healthcare. There are also opportunities to attend training and courses to improve your skills and enhance your employment prospects.

Benefits and Further Education

Some employers offer benefits such as paid further education to encourage personal development. There may also be opportunities for advancement in healthcare, such as training to become a nursing aide or nurse.

Future Outlook and Job Market

According to forecasts from the Employment Service, the prospects for employment as a nursing assistant are favorable. Demand is expected to increase over a five-year period, partly due to an aging population. The profession is characterized by recruitment difficulties, but there is a potential supply of part-time workers who can meet the demand.

Challenges and Competition

One of the major challenges in the profession is the physical workload and emotional demands. It is also a competitive job market, where employers are looking for dedicated and well-educated candidates.

National Opportunities

Nationally, the recruitment situation for nursing assistants is characterized by recruitment difficulties while many work part-time in the profession. Over a five-year period, demand for nursing assistants is expected to increase compared to today.

Factors to Consider for Potential Nursing Assistants

For those considering becoming a nursing assistant, it is important to consider the physical and emotional demands that the job may entail. It is also advantageous to have a flexible attitude towards working hours and be prepared to work at irregular times. Personal qualities such as empathy, patience, and good communication skills are important for success in the role.

Summary

Working as a nursing assistant is both a rewarding and challenging profession. With an average salary of 27 900 SEK and promising future prospects, there are many opportunities for those who choose to work in this field. However, it requires a certain level of physical and emotional endurance as well as a genuine interest in helping others.