What can I do with an EKG certification besides nursing?

How can I get nursing certification in Sweden?

• I'm going to be graduating from an RPN course in Canada in a year but was thinking about moving to Sweden with a friend. Was just wondering if it was as easy as taking a test like how I will be doing for certification in the USA or if I would have to do schooling over again. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

• Answer:

  There is no regulated health care profession similar to RPN in Sweden. For nursing staff with a shorter training than registered nurses, there is no licencing or registration. There are certain courses, usually at secondary school level, considered to qualify for employment as “undersköterska”, but there are other ways to qualify. There is no legal definition of “undersköterska” and it is up to the individual employer to judge whether a person is qualified for the position. Unlicenced persons are legally considered health professionals only if employed at a health care facility and need personal delegations from licenced staff for most procedures. Your training will probably be considered adequate. You neither need nor can take any test. It may be wise getting some experience in Canada before going to Sweden, not only as experience is valued by employers, but if you can show employers in Sweden that you have been trusted with advanced tasks, they will be more likely to understand and appreciate your level of training. There are other issues, however. While RNs are always in demand, the same is not true for unlicenced staff. If you are a Canadian citizen with no special ties to Sweden you will need permits to live and work in Sweden and these may be hard to come by. If you do not speak Swedish there will be a lot fewer openings. Good luck!