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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    1. Nursing/
    2. Nursing specialties/
    3. Rheumatology nurse

    Rheumatology nurse

    A rheumatology nurse helps patients with rheumatic diseases that affect the joints and muscles, such as lupus, fibromyalgia, myositis, spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis and Lyme disease.
    Required education
    BSN
    Average annual salary
    $108,000
    ZipRecruiter (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 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 rheumatology nurse?

    A large part of your job will include easing patients’ pain and helping them manage their symptoms.

    What you’ll do as a rheumatology nurse

    Assessment

    You’ll evaluate patients with rheumatic diseases.

    Education

    You’ll teach patients and helping them finds ways to live healthier everyday lives.

    Treatment

    You’ll monitor vital signs and bloodwork and manage patients’ medications.
    Female nurse in scrubs smiling and talking to elderly male patient

    Where you’ll work as a rheumatology nurse

    Rheumatology nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
    • Doctors’ offices
    • Hospitals
    • Outpatient care centers

    How to become a rheumatology nurse

    Get an Associate’s Degrees 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.

    Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining 1,500 hours of experience and 30 hours of continuing education in three years.

    Get your Rheumatology Nursing Certificate through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

    You’re ready to work as a rheumatology nurse!

    Rheumatology nurse career resources

    Become a member of a rheumatology nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
    Rheumatology Nurses Society, Inc.

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