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. Nurse executive

    Nurse executive

    A nurse executive holds a top position within a healthcare organization, making sure its goals and mission are carried out in day-to-day operations.
    Required education
    MSN
    Average annual salary
    $156,000
    Payscale.com (Jan. 2026)
    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 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 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 dollar currency symbol to represent the concept of higher-salary nursing specialty career attribute
    Higher salary
    Earn more by having advanced skills and responsibilities.

    What is the role of a nurse executive?

    You’ll play an essential role in shaping your organization’s healthcare policies and making sure your team of nurses have what they need to provide the best possible care.

    What you’ll do as a nurse executive

    Accounting

    You’ll create budgets and manage the finances of the organization.

    Administration

    You’ll develop policies and procedures to help your organization run as effectively as possible.

    Communication

    You’ll understand the needs of your staff, help them flourish in their careers and provide the best care for patients.

    Representation

    You’ll speak up on behalf of your patients and staff when introducing new ideas and practices to parties outside of the healthcare organization.
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    Where you’ll work as a nurse executive

    Nurse executives work in a variety of settings, including:
    • Consulting firms
    • Healthcare organizations
    • Home health agencies
    • Hospitals
    • Nursing home
    • Nursing schools

    How to become a nurse executive

    Get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), taking business courses or pursuing a double major, or minor, in business.

    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 a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Masters in Healthcare or Business Administration (MHA/MBA).

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

    Work in an executive role before passing your Executive Nursing Certification Exam through the American Organization of Nurse Executives.

    You’re ready to work as a nurse executive!

    Nurse executive career resources

    Become a member of a nurse executive organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
    American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE)

    Related nursing specialties

    Explore all specialties

    • Health policy nurse (HPN)

      Health policy nurses support the research, development, and implementation of healthcare policies. They advocate for patients and providers by shaping legislation, improving healthcare access, and communicating public health needs to government and policy leaders.
      Explore this specialty

    • Nurse manager

      A nurse manager is in charge of hiring and supervising the nursing staff of a hospital or other healthcare organization.
      Explore this specialty

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