Nursing in Sweden vs USA vs UK: The Surprising Differences

In this episode, I sit down with Billy, a UK student nurse who recently completed an observational placement in Sweden, to compare nursing education, working conditions, salaries, career progression, and healthcare culture across three different countries: Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. As an American nurse practitioner who has lived and worked in Sweden for the past five years, I share my experiences transitioning from the U.S. healthcare system to Swedish healthcare, while Billy offers a unique perspective as a student nurse in the UK who spent time learning inside one of Sweden's most prestigious hospitals. Topics we discuss include: ✅ Nursing education in the USA, UK, and Sweden ✅ Student nurse placements and clinical training ✅ Working as a nurse in Sweden ✅ Karolinska University Hospital experience ✅ Nursing salaries and career progression ✅ Specialist nursing roles and advanced practice nurses ✅ Work-life balance and shift schedules ✅ Nurse-doctor relationships and workplace culture ✅ ADHD, autism, and succeeding in nursing ✅ Licensing, revalidation, and continuing education requirements ✅ Why healthcare professionals are attracted to Sweden Whether you're considering a nursing career, thinking about moving abroad, or simply curious about how healthcare differs around the world, this conversation provides a fascinating comparison between three healthcare systems. What surprised you most about the differences between Sweden, the UK, and the USA? Let me know in the comments below!