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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. Substance abuse nurse

    Substance abuse nurse

    A substance abuse or addiction nurse helps patients who are addicted to drugs, alcohol and other substances.
    Required education
    ADN or BSN
    Average annual salary
    $79,000
    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 substance abuse nurse?

    You’ll be trained in general medicine and mental health to help patients over the physical and psychological obstacles of their addiction.
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    Where you’ll work as a substance abuse nurse

    Substance abuse nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
    • Community health clinics
    • Mental health clinics
    • Psychiatric wards in hospitals
    • Substance abuse treatment centers

    How to become a substance abuse 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 2,000 hours of experience and 30 hours’ continuing education in Substance Abuse.

    You’re ready to work as a substance abuse nurse!

    Substance abuse nurse career resources

    Become a member of a Substance abuse nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
    International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA)

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