Ever wondered what it’s like to work as a nurse in Sweden? From the famous work-life balance to the unique healthcare system, nursing here comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. To get an insider’s perspective, we sat down with Wiktoria – a registered nurse.
She shares her experiences, from daily routines to cultural differences, and what makes Sweden a great place for healthcare professionals. Whether you’re considering a career in Swedish healthcare or just curious about life behind the scenes, this interview gives you a glimpse into the reality of nursing in Sweden.
Beginnings in The Nursing Profession in Sweden
Choosing a career is often a mix of inspiration, personal experiences, and sometimes a bit of fate. What led you to become a nurse? Was it influenced by someone close to you, or did you always feel this was your calling?
Wiktoria: I always knew I wanted to work with people. After finishing high school, I moved to Sweden and got a part-time job as an assistant in a nursing home for the elderly. From the very first day, I felt that this was what I wanted to do – I wanted to become a nurse. My loved ones were incredibly supportive of me on this journey.
From the very first day working in a nursing home, I knew I wanted to become a nurse. The loneliness of the residents and their dependence on staff was a reality check that changed the way I see elderly care.
Sweden’s healthcare system offers a variety of workplaces for nurses – from large hospitals to small clinics and specialized care. Where do you work, and what does a typical day on the job look like for you?
Wiktoria: I work in a mellanstor sjukhus (which is similar to a district hospital) in the Emergency Department. The job is incredibly varied – I see a full range of patients every day, from minor workplace or school injuries to referrals from clinics for further diagnostics, all the way to severe accident cases.
Starting a new job is always a memorable experience, especially in a different healthcare system. Do you remember your first day working in Sweden? Was there anything that surprised you or made you think, This is not what I expected?
Wiktoria: I remember my first day at the nursing home very clearly. I had never been in a place like that before, and I wasn’t sure if I could handle the challenges – especially tasks like assisting with personal hygiene. After all, I was only 19 at the time. But surprisingly, those duties didn’t feel as difficult as I had imagined. What really struck me, though, was the loneliness of the residents and how heavily they depended on the staff. It was a true reality check that completely changed the way I see elderly people.
In many countries, specialization opens new doors for nurses to grow in their careers. Is this common in Sweden? What makes these programs attractive to nurses?
Wiktoria: Yes, and there is a huge demand for specialized nurses. Many employers actively support specialization by offering nurses the chance to study while keeping their current salary. They also cover expenses like textbooks, travel, and accommodation. This kind of support is a big motivation for nurses to pursue a master’s degree.
Swedish Healthcare Through the Eyes of a Nurse in Sweden
Sweden is often seen as a model for healthcare systems around the world. From your perspective, as someone working within it, what do you think makes Swedish healthcare stand out compared to other countries?
Wiktoria: I believe that every system has its pros and cons. In Sweden, there’s a strong emphasis on making the most of each profession’s expertise. The best way to illustrate this is with an example: when a patient visits a vårdcentral (primary care clinic) with back pain, they first speak with a nurse. Based on their assessment and medical history, the nurse can recommend self-care advice, refer the patient to a physiotherapist, schedule a visit with a general practitioner, or, if necessary, send them directly to the emergency department. I think this approach helps to ease the burden on the system while also saving the patient’s time.
The dynamic between nurses and doctors varies from country to country. In some places, nurses feel undervalued, while in others, they work as equals with physicians. How would you describe the relationship between nurses and doctors in Sweden? Is it more hierarchical or collaborative?
Wiktoria: I would describe the nurse-doctor relationship as a partnership. Both professions have different competencies that are meant to complement each other. Nurses work more closely with patients and are responsible for their care, while doctors focus on medical decision-making. It’s a collaboration built on mutual trust in each other’s expertise – though, of course, there are always exceptions.
Fun fact – in the places I’ve worked, only nurses have access to the medication rooms, and doctors have to ask for permission to enter. From what I’ve heard, this is quite unique across Europe and not a common practice elsewhere.
Long wait times for specialists are often mentioned as a challenge in Scandinavian healthcare systems. From your experience, is this really an issue in Sweden, or does the system find ways to compensate for it?
Wiktoria: Unfortunately, wait times for specialists are getting longer, and privatization in healthcare is becoming more common. However, I still believe that access to specialized care is at a good level. A common practice is for public healthcare providers to sign agreements with private clinics to ensure that patients receive an appointment within the time limits set by vårdgarantin (the Swedish healthcare guarantee). In such cases, the patient doesn’t have to pay any extra costs, which helps maintain accessibility.
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It sounds like Sweden’s healthcare system places a lot of value on efficiency and patient-centered care. How does this apply to prevention and health education? Is educating patients a big part of your role as a nurse?
Wiktoria: I believe that an informed patient is the key to success. Patients have the right to receive information in a way they can understand. A patient who knows what’s happening, why, and what the next steps are tends to be calmer, more cooperative, and overall more satisfied. Patient education is a crucial part of a nurse’s job – we teach patients how to manage their own medication, provide self-care advice, and even explain why Alvedon (paracetamol) is so often recommended!
Alvedon has almost become a symbol of Swedish healthcare – it’s even turned into an internet meme! Many people joke that in Sweden, Alvedon is the go-to solution for everything. From your experience, is this reputation justified? Do you think the approach to using this medication is excessive, or is there a rational reason behind it, such as minimizing the use of stronger drugs?
Wiktoria: In medicine, there’s a concept called the analgesic ladder (smärttrappa), which is based on treating pain with medications appropriate for its intensity. Paracetamol, the active ingredient in Alvedon, is the first-line treatment for mild pain and serves as the foundation in pain management. Additional medications are introduced if needed to achieve adequate relief. Paracetamol is also considered a safe substance and is available over the counter.
So even in cases of more bothersome pain or fever, using paracetamol aligns with current guidelines, including those from the WHO. Moreover, when a patient reports pain or fever, assessing whether and to what extent paracetamol has helped is actually important for further diagnosis and treatment planning.
Sweden is a diverse country with people from many different backgrounds. Have you noticed any differences in patient expectations based on their culture or country of origin?
Wiktoria: Absolutely! I think it’s completely natural. Healthcare systems are structured very differently across the world, and it can be really difficult to navigate a new one. One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed in Sweden is the high level of autonomy that nurses have, which can sometimes lead to a lack of trust from patients who are used to different systems. In many countries, doctors are seen as the primary – if not the only – authority, so patients often expect to see a doctor, whereas in Sweden, a nurse’s consultation is often sufficient in many cases.
One of the biggest differences in Sweden is the high level of autonomy that nurses have. In many countries, doctors are seen as the only authority, while here, a nurse’s consultation is often enough in many cases.
Every healthcare system has its strengths and weaknesses. From your perspective, what are the biggest advantages of the Swedish healthcare system? What aspects benefit both patients and healthcare workers the most?
Wiktoria: The Swedish healthcare system is highly automated and has been using solutions for years that only became common in other countries during the pandemic – such as telemedicine. In Sweden, many medical matters can be handled online or over the phone, which streamlines the process and saves time for both patients and medical staff.
No healthcare system is perfect. Is there anything that frustrates you the most about working in Sweden’s healthcare system? Are there any issues you think need urgent improvement?
Wiktoria: The first thing that comes to mind is low salaries. Because of this, more and more people are leaving the profession or choosing to work on short-term contracts (hyrpersonal), which only worsens the staffing shortages and increases the workload for those who stay.
That being said, it’s important to remember that the salary still allows for a decent and comfortable life. However, it simply doesn’t reflect the level of responsibility we carry or the demanding and often inconvenient working hours that come with the job.
Work-life balance is something Sweden is known for. Do you feel this in your daily life? Do you actually have time to unwind and focus on yourself after work?
Wiktoria: Yes and no. I work in a shift system, which means that within the same week, I might have day shifts, evening shifts, and sometimes even night shifts. It’s easy to feel like you’re constantly at work. But this system also has its advantages – I have a lot of flexibility in planning my schedule, which allows me to adjust my work hours to fit my personal life.
Shift work can make it feel like you’re always at work, but at the same time, I have a lot of flexibility in planning my schedule, which allows me to adapt my job to my personal life.
Burnout is a major issue in healthcare worldwide. How does the Swedish system support nurses’ well-being? Are there any specific programs in place to help with stress and workload?
Wiktoria: I haven’t come across any dedicated support programs. There are financial benefits like friskvårdsbidrag, which can be used to cover the cost of things like gym memberships or massages to help reduce stress – but this isn’t something exclusive to nurses. Ultimately, I believe it’s up to the individual to recognize when it’s time to say stop and not stay in a toxic work environment. There are definitely good workplaces out there, and it’s worth finding the right fit.
Feeling valued at work is just as important as the job itself. Do you feel that your work as a nurse in Sweden is appreciated and fairly compensated? Is recognition more noticeable in salary, or does it come more from patients and colleagues?
Wiktoria: As I mentioned before, the salary could definitely be better. To be honest, I don’t feel like nursing is particularly more appreciated than other professions. However, one thing I have noticed is that I get a lot more calls from friends and relatives asking for medical advice! 😉
What does a typical day look like for you as an ER nurse? Is it all about following medical procedures, or do you also get time to connect with patients?
Wiktoria: Working in the emergency department means that no two shifts are ever the same. It’s a unique job where one moment can be incredibly slow – we use that time for organizing, checking medical equipment, and continuing our education – only to suddenly find ourselves completely overwhelmed with patients. I do try to find a moment to connect with patients, but there isn’t always much time for that. Our main goal is to ensure that patients receive the right care as quickly as possible and don’t stay in the ER longer than necessary.
The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed healthcare systems around the world. Did you notice any significant shifts in Sweden’s approach to healthcare as a result?
Wiktoria: I feel like many of the solutions that other countries adopted because of the pandemic – such as telemedicine and online consultations – had already been in place in Sweden for years. What I have noticed, though, is that people seem to have a bit more respect for healthcare services now. Politically, however, not much has changed. The healthcare system is still underfunded, and staffing shortages have worsened significantly due to burnout from the intense workload during the pandemic.
Finally, what would you say to someone considering a nursing career in Sweden? If you were advising someone thinking about emigrating and working in this profession, what would be the biggest pros and cons?
Wiktoria: I think that if someone wants to work in healthcare, Sweden offers many opportunities for growth and generally takes good care of its employees. Finding a job in healthcare here is relatively easy, and there are various programs that help foreign medical professionals learn Swedish and navigate the job market.
If you want to work in healthcare, Sweden offers many opportunities for growth. But it’s a long journey that requires determination—this job isn’t for everyone, but for the right person, it can be incredibly rewarding.
That being said, it’s a long journey that requires a lot of determination. Nursing demands both technical and interpersonal skills, as well as a high level of stress resilience, so it’s not the right job for everyone. But for those who are passionate about it, it’s a career that can be incredibly rewarding – and one thing’s for sure, you’ll never be bored!
Wiktoria’s journey as a nurse in Sweden offers a fascinating insight into the country’s healthcare system – its strengths, challenges, and the everyday reality of working on the front lines. From the strong emphasis on efficiency and patient-centered care to the struggles with salaries and staff shortages, her perspective highlights both the opportunities and the obstacles that come with the job.
For those considering a career in Swedish healthcare, Wiktoria’s advice is clear: it’s a path that requires dedication, adaptability, and resilience. However, with the right mindset, it can be an incredibly fulfilling and dynamic profession, with plenty of room for growth and learning.
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About Wiktoria
Wiktoria is 30 years old and has been living in Sweden for 11 years. She began her career in Swedish healthcare as a caregiver in a nursing home (vårdbiträde), then worked in a hospital as a certified nurse assistant (undersköterska), and now she is a registered nurse (RN) in the emergency department. She shares insights about her work and life in Sweden on Instagram @wikiwszwecji.
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