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
    Female doctor or nurse working in the hospital emergency room. Smiling nurse distributing medical supplies on a tray in icu room in hospital.
    1. Nursing/
    2. Nursing specialties/
    3. Critical care nurse

    Critical care nurse

    A critical care or ICU nurse takes care of patients who are in a critical condition or recovering from a serious medical condition.
    Required education
    MSN
    Average annual salary
    $99,000
    Payscale,com (Jan. 2026)
    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 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.
    red icon of persona figure to represent the concept of independent nursing specialty career attribute
    Independent
    Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.

    What is the role of a critical care nurse?

    You’ll need to be able to assess patients and make decisions quickly in life or death situations.

    What you’ll do as a critical care nurse

    Evaluation

    You’ll assess and make decisions about a patient’s condition.

    Assessment

    You’ll explain medical procedures and treatments, and give updates to your patients’ loved ones.

    Treatment

    You’ll monitor the critical condition of patients, which includes operating life support systems.
    Doctors and nurses working together to assess patient.

    Where you’ll work as a critical care nurse

    Critical care nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
    • Critical care units
    • Flight units
    • Intensive care units

    How to become a critical care nurse

    Get an Associate of Science (ASN), Bachelor of Science (BSN), Master of Science (MSN), or Doctorate in Nursing.

    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.

    Individual institutional requirements may include higher nursing degrees, previous experience, or national nursing certification.

    Critical care nurse career resources

    Become a member of a critical care nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
    American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

    Related nursing specialties

    Explore all specialties