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. Forensic nurse

    Forensic nurse

    A forensic nurse cares for patients who have been the victims of sexual abuse, violence and assault.

    Required education
    ADN or BSN
    Average annual salary
    $85,000
    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 laboratory beaker to represent the concept of research-oriented nursing specialty career attribute
    Research-oriented
    Analyze data and discover new ways to help patients.
    red icon of countdown timer to represent the concept of fast-paced nursing specialty career attribute
    Fast-paced
    React and make decisions quickly in demanding conditions.
    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 forensic nurse?

    You’ll work in nursing and the criminal justice system, giving evidence and testifying on behalf of your patients.

    What you’ll do as a forensic nurse

    Documentation

    You’ll collect data and record evidence, photograph injuries, interview patients and their families.

    Liaison

    You’ll act as the go between for patients, their families, doctors, law enforcement and social services.

    Testify

    You’ll provide evidence in court and act as deputy coroner.

    Treatment

    You’ll perform physical exams and care for patients’ wounds.
    Close-up of female nurse in face mask looking through microscope

    Where you’ll work as a forensic nurse

    Forensic nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
    • Emergency rooms
    • Hospitals
    • Laboratories
    • Law courts

    How to become a forensic nurse

    Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or 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 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Certification after spending the amount of time your state requires in forensic nursing.

    There is no official forensic nurse certification.

    You’re ready to work as a forensic nurse.

    Forensic nurse career resources

    Become a member of a forensic nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
    Emergency Nurses Association

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