Siirry sisältöön

Right to practice as a nurse

In Finland, the profession of nurse can only be practiced by a person with a nursing qualification and who is licensed as a nurse by the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, Valvira.

Legislation on the profession of nursing

Legislation in English:
Act on Health Care Professionals (559/1994) (Finlex)
Decree on Health Care Professionals (564/1994) (Finlex)

Licensed professionals

Under Finnish law, licensing is granted to nurses, midwives, and public health nurses.

Valvira, the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, grants the right to practice as a licensed professional. In addition, Valvira maintains a central register of health professionals to carry out its supervisory tasks. The name of the register is JulkiTerhikki.

In Finland, unlicensed health professionals can be fined or imprisoned.

Registers of social welfare and healthcare professionals

Student nurse as a substitute for a nurse

A student nurse who has completed two-thirds of the degree, at least 140 credits (of 210 credits), may work as a substitute for a nurse.