Our commitment to nursing

For more than 125 years, Johnson & Johnson has been proud to advocate for, elevate, and empower the nursing profession, as we know that nurses are the backbone of health care.
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Why be a nurse?

A career in nursing is one of the most exciting and rewarding occupations. Nurses provide vital hands-on patient care, but that’s not all they do. They are leaders, innovators, educators, change makers helping improve access to care.
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Career advice and inspiration

When new ideas can save lives, nurse innovators need support to move from bedside to boardroom. Their firsthand experience helps them identify patient needs and shape the future of healthcare, as seen in stories from leaders inspiring the next generation.
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Why specialize as a nurse?

Once you’re a Registered Nurse you can take your career in so many new directions by specializing in an area you really enjoy.
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    Nursing
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    1. Nursing/
    2. Nursing specialties/
    3. Clinical nurse specialist

    Clinical nurse specialist

    A clinical nurse specialist has advanced knowledge and hands-on expertise in a chosen specialty.
    Required education
    MSN or PhD
    Average annual salary
    $87,000
    Payscale.com (Jan. 2025)
    red icon of directional signpost to represent the concept of varied nursing specialty career attribute
    Varied
    Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
    red icon of group of persona figures to represent the concept of managerial nursing specialty career attribute
    Managerial
    Oversee other nurses and help improve healthcare for all.
    red icon of dollar currency symbol to represent the concept of higher-salary nursing specialty career attribute
    Higher salary
    Earn more by having advanced skills and responsibilities.
    red icon of two persona figures to represent the concept of patient-facing nursing specialty career attribute
    Patient-facing
    Work hands-on, directly with patients.
    red icon showing workflow diagram to represent the concept of structured nursing specialty career attribute
    Structured
    Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.

    What is the role of a clinical nurse specialist?

    You’ll be a leader who’ll guide others and help make the workplace more efficient.

    What you’ll do as a clinical nurse specialist

    Education

    You’ll teach and mentor other nurses.

    Management

    You’ll supervise nurses and other staff members.

    Research

    You’ll gather data and stay up to date with developments in your specialty.

    Treatment

    You’ll examine, diagnose and prescribe medication for patients, and create treatment plans with healthcare teams.
    Clinical Account Specialist and EP Collaborating on Mapping Procedure.

    Where you’ll work as a clinical nurse specialist

    Clinical nurse specialists work in a variety of settings, including:
    • Community health centers
    • Doctors’ offices
    • Home care agencies
    • Hospitals
    • Mental health clinics
    • Outpatient clinics

    How to become a clinical nurse specialist

    Get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

    When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.

    Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.

    The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.

    Get your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

    A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) offers advanced courses that will help you develop new skills and move into specialized roles.

    Pass the National Nurses Licensing Exam.

    Pass the Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist Exam.

    You’re ready to work as a clinical nurse specialist!

    Clinical nurse specialist career resources

    Become a member of a clinical nurse specialist organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
    National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

    Related nursing specialties

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