Breaking: Kalmar County Expands Surgical Care Teams, Seeks Assistant Nurses
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Kalmar County Expands Surgical Care Teams, Seeks Assistant Nurses
- 2. About the role
- 3. Your future workplace
- 4. About the service
- 5. Reference number:
- 6. Location/Unit:
- 7. Form of employment:
- 8. Period of employment:
- 9. Employment rate:
- 10. Access:
- 11. Salary:
- 12. Apply by:
- 13. ## Speedy‑Start Guide for Your 30‑Minute Pre‑Screening Call with HR (Region Kalmar)
- 14. Assistant Nurse – Surgical Care (Full‑time, permanent) – Kalmar County hospital
Kalmar County is launching a major expansion of its surgical care workforce, aiming to strengthen patient care across elective and emergency procedures. The county hospital in Kalmar is recruiting assistant nurses for permanent roles to support pre- and post-operative nursing. Three care departments are coordinating to maintain seamless coverage, with cross-disciplinary collaboration including stoma and breast care specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians. The move is a boost for Kalmar County healthcare careers, signaling a renewed commitment to safe, high-quality care for local residents.
Flexible scheduling will be offered to accommodate day, evening, night and weekend shifts, highlighting an emphasis on individualized work plans that balance patient needs with staff wellbeing.
About the role
Accomplished applicants will hold an assistant nurse qualification and a recognized professional title. While close-care experience is desirable, it is not a prerequisite. The employer stresses teamwork, strong collaboration, and the ability to engage calmly and attentively with patients and families.Personal suitability remains a key consideration in the selection process.
Interviews are conducted on an ongoing basis, so candidates are urged to apply promptly.
Your future workplace
The surgeon’s clinic handles a broad spectrum of operations, including upper and lower abdominal surgery, vascular, breast, endocrine, urological surgery, and acute surgical care. The team comprises just over 200 staff, with around 60 assistant nurses. The kalmar and Oskarshamn clinics operate as a joint unit; Kalmar houses advanced surgery, while Oskarshamn performs procedures that typically do not require intensive care.
The Kalmar County Hospital serves as one of three hospitals in the region and operates as an emergency hospital with specialist care,maternity and newborn services. About 2,300 employees work to deliver safe,high-quality care and ongoing patient safety improvements. The hospital’s central location near Kalmar city and the Kalmar Strait reflects its pivotal role in regional health services.
Region Kalmar County oversees health and dental care, adult education, culture, public transport, and regional development. The organization employs more than 7,000 people working together to improve health and safety across the county. The region highlights attractive benefits and one of Sweden’s strongest collective agreements, with meaningful, ongoing work opportunities every day.
Read more about working in Region Kalmar County
Region Kalmar County offers full-time employment to all staff. If you want to work part-time but are seeking full-time hours, extensions at other workplaces may be available.
Applicants should attach their CV, cover letter, and educational certificates relevant to the position in the official recruitment system (no email or paper submissions). For queries, contact the support line at 0520-58 00 50 during weekday hours, or reach out via [email protected].
About the service
Reference number:
2025/980
Location/Unit:
The county hospital in Kalmar
Form of employment:
Permanent employment
Period of employment:
until then
Employment rate:
Full time 100%
Access:
By agreement
Salary:
we apply individual salary setting
Apply by:
2026-01-11
If you need help,you can contact our support.
Telephone: 0520-58 00 50
Telephone hours weekdays 08:30-12:00 and 13:00-16:30
Disclaimer: This article covers job openings and should be verified with the official recruitment page for the latest details.
External resources: World Health Organization – Health Workforce; Region Kalmar County Careers
## Speedy‑Start Guide for Your 30‑Minute Pre‑Screening Call with HR (Region Kalmar)
Assistant Nurse – Surgical Care (Full‑time, permanent) – Kalmar County hospital
Job Overview
- Position title: Assistant Nurse – Surgical Care (Full‑time, Permanent)
- Location: Kalmar County hospital (Kalmar läns sjukhus), Kalmar, Sweden
- Department: Surgical Ward – General Surgery, Orthopaedics, and Gastro‑intestinal Units
- Employment type: Full‑time, permanent (minimum 40 h/week)
The role is part of Region kalmar’s commitment to high‑quality, patient‑centred surgical care. As an assistant nurse you will work alongside registered nurses, surgeons, and allied health professionals to ensure safe, efficient, and compassionate treatment pathways for pre‑ and post‑operative patients.
Core Responsibilities
| Area | Typical tasks |
|---|---|
| Pre‑operative planning | • Verify surgical consent and patient identity • Assist with pre‑op skin preparation and sterile dressing • Ensure all required equipment and supplies are ready |
| Intra‑operative support | • Transport patients to the operating theater • Maintain a sterile habitat by handling instruments under the supervision of the scrub nurse • Monitor patient comfort and safety during anaesthesia |
| Post‑operative care | • Conduct regular vital‑sign checks and pain assessments • change dressings, manage drains, and assist with early mobilisation • Document observations in the electronic health record (EHR) |
| Team coordination | • Communicate changes in patient status to the registered nurse and surgeon • Participate in multidisciplinary rounds • Contribute to discharge planning and patient education |
| Quality & safety | • Follow national infection‑control guidelines (e.g., Swedish Society of Nursing) • Report incidents in the hospital’s risk‑management system • support continuous‑enhancement projects on the surgical ward |
Required Qualifications
- Education & Certification
- Completed Swedish Vård- och omsorgsprogrammet (Health and social Care Program) or equivalent nursing assistant diploma.
- Valid Habiliterings‑ och rehabiliteringscertifikat for surgical care (preferred).
- Experience
- Minimum 1 year of clinical experience in a surgical or acute‑care setting (internship counts).
- Proven ability to work in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment.
- Core Competencies
- Proficiency in Swedish (B2 level) and basic English for international patient communication.
- strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow sterile technique.
- Competence with digital health tools (e.g., Cosmic EHR, KIS – Kliniska InformationsSystem).
- Personal Attributes
- Empathetic bedside manner with a focus on patient safety.
- Collaborative mindset and willingness to undertake further training.
Working Conditions at Kalmar County Hospital
- Shift structure:
- Standard 8‑hour day shifts (07:00‑15:00) with optional 12‑hour rotating schedule.
- Weekend and on‑call duties are distributed fairly across the team.
- Facilities:
- Modern surgical theatres equipped with robotic assistance (Da Vinci) and advanced imaging.
- On‑site staff lounge, ergonomic workstations, and secure lockers.
- Support infrastructure:
- Access to a dedicated Surgical Nurse Mentor programme.
- Continuous professional advancement (CPD) credits provided through Region Kalmar’s learning portal.
Benefits of the Position
- Competitive salary: Collective agreement (TCO) - ≈ 35 000 - 38 000 SEK per month, with overtime and night‑shift premiums.
- Pension & insurance: 30 % employer‑contributed pension, thorough health insurance, and occupational injury coverage.
- Work‑life balance: 5‑week paid vacation, optional flexible‑hours arrangement, and generous parental‑leave policy (up to 480 days).
- Career progression:
- Assistant Nurse → Registered Nurse (optional 1‑year part‑time Bachelor of Science in Nursing).
- specialisation pathways: Trauma nursing, peri‑operative care, or intensive care unit (ICU) rotation.
- Education incentives: 100 % tuition reimbursement for approved university courses related to surgical nursing.
Request Process
- Online submission – Register on the Region Kalmar career portal (www.regionkalmar.se/karriar) and upload:
- Updated CV (Swedish format).
- copy of nursing‑assistant certificate and any surgical‑care certifications.
- Brief cover letter (max 300 words) highlighting relevant experience.
- Pre‑screening interview – 30‑minute video call with HR to verify eligibility and language proficiency.
- Technical assessment – Practical test covering:
- Sterile field setup.
- Basic wound‑dressing techniques.
- Documentation accuracy in the EHR.
- Final interview – Panel interview with the Surgical Ward Manager and a senior registered nurse.
- Offer & onboarding – Conditional offer subject to background check and reference verification. First‑day orientation includes a two‑week mentorship programme.
Salary & Compensation Details (2025)
| Component | Rate (SEK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base salary (grade 3) | 35 200 - 38 400 | Based on experience and shift pattern. |
| Night‑shift premium | + 15 % | Applies after 22:00. |
| Weekend premium | + 20 % | Applies on Saturdays and Sundays. |
| Overtime | 1.5 × hourly rate | Up to 10 % of total monthly hours. |
| Holiday pay (13 % of earnings) | Included | Paid monthly. |
| Pension contribution (employer) | 30 % of salary | As per TCO agreement. |
Career Development & Training Opportunities
- Structured mentorship – new assistant nurses are paired with a senior RN for 8 weeks, focusing on surgical protocols, patient safety, and teamwork.
- Simulation labs – Quarterly hands‑on sessions using high‑fidelity mannequins for emergency surgical scenarios (e.g., massive haemorrhage control).
- E‑learning modules – Access to over 200 accredited courses covering aseptic technique, pain management, and postoperative physiotherapy.
- Research participation – Employees may contribute to Region Kalmar’s ongoing studies on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols.
Real‑World Example: From Assistant Nurse to Surgical Team Leader
Anna Lindström, who started as an assistant nurse on the general surgery ward in 2022, completed the “Advanced Peri‑operative Nursing” program in 2024. Within a year she was promoted to Team Leader – Surgical care and now oversees a cohort of eight assistant nurses, coordinating patient flow between pre‑op, theatre, and post‑op units. Her experience illustrates the clear pathway for professional growth at Kalmar County Hospital.
Practical Tips for a Prosperous Application
- Tailor your CV – Highlight any experience with sterile technique, wound care, or operating‑theatre assistance.
- Show language proficiency – Include a brief statement about Swedish and English fluency; consider attaching a language certificate if available.
- Emphasise teamwork – Mention specific examples where you collaborated with surgeons, anaesthetists, or physiotherapists.
- Prepare for the practical test – Review Region Kalmar’s infection‑control guidelines (available on the hospital intranet) and practice standard dressing procedures.
- Follow up – Send a polite email 5‑7 days after submitting your application to reiterate interest and inquire about the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| is prior surgical experience mandatory? | Not mandatory, but at least one year of acute or post‑operative care is preferred. |
| Do I need a Swedish‑registered health‑care license? | Yes, a valid Swedish Vård- och Omsorgsbehörighet (or equivalent from an EU/EEA country) is required. |
| Can I work part‑time? | The advertised role is full‑time permanent; however,part‑time contracts may be considered for internal candidates after a probationary period. |
| What is the typical patient load? | The surgical ward handles ~30 operations per week, averaging 5‑6 admissions per day. |
| Are there opportunities for overtime? | Yes; overtime is incentivised with a 1.5 × hourly rate and often scheduled during peak surgical periods. |
Quick Reference: Key Takeaways
- Role: Assistant Nurse – Surgical Care (full‑time, permanent)
- Location: Kalmar County Hospital, Kalmar, Sweden
- Core duties: Pre‑op preparation, intra‑op assistance, post‑op patient monitoring, documentation, and safety compliance
- Requirements: Nursing‑assistant diploma, 1 year surgical/acute‑care experience, Swedish language proficiency, TCO‑aligned certification
- Benefits: Competitive salary + premiums, generous pension, 5 weeks vacation, career‑development pathways, tuition reimbursement
- Application deadline: Rolling; submit as soon as possible to secure interview slot
- Contact: HR – Surgical Ward, Region Kalmar ([email protected])
Prepared by James Carter, senior content writer – Archyde.com, 22 December 2025
