Those who want to call themselves assistant nurses now need to show a certificate from the National Board of Health and Welfare.
Over 63,000 have applied for a protected professional title since it became possible this summer.
Kommunal already sees that it has led to more permanent employment, but it takes time to get proof and wages have not increased to the extent that the union had hoped for.
Since the first of July, assistant nurse is a protected professional title and that only those with a certain education or competence may call themselves that. But those who had permanent employment when the new rules came into effect can use the title – without a proof – until 2033. All others must apply for the proof via the National Board of Health and Welfare.
For the municipal union, which has pursued the issue since spring 2016, this government decision is welcome.
– So far we can see that there is a lot of pressure. We have also seen that it has led to many more being offered permanent employment, who have been fixed-term employees. We also see that more municipalities and regions are giving a pay rise to those who are training, says Malin Ragnegård, union chairman at Kommunal.
200,000 can apply
For example, in Malmö, 200 fixed-term employees have been offered permanent employment because of the protected title.
– More such initiatives are needed so that we can make the profession the attractive, forward-looking profession that it is, but not always valued as, she says.
According to the municipal union, there are around 200,000 who can apply for a certificate today, but getting one can take time. So far, the National Board of Health and Welfare has received almost 66,000 applications but only granted just over 34,000.
– Until it is in place, you get another title, which is care assistant, even though you have an education. It is clear that it can be frustrating, but we hope to speed this up, and we still see things happening day by day.
“Professional pride”
Kommunal considers the protected professional title to be an important step and hopes that in the long run it will lead to nurses’ knowledge being valued more highly – and that this will be reflected in salaries.
– I hope that this will lead to you as a nurse with your protected professional title feeling the professional pride that many people feel but haven’t really received a receipt for from those around them, says Malin Ragnegård.