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. Wound, ostomy, and continence nurse

    Wound, ostomy, and continence nurse

    A wound, ostomy, and continence nurse cares for patients with wounds caused by medical treatments, diseases or injuries.
    Required education
    BSN
    Average annual salary
    $89,000
    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 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 wound, ostomy, and continence nurse?

    You’ll also provide post-surgery treatment for patients with ostomies, surgical openings that allow for the elimination of bodily waste.

    What you’ll do as a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse

    Collaboration

    You’ll work with a healthcare team to decide on next steps, such as antibiotics, surgery and other treatments.

    Education

    You’ll teach patients and caregivers about wound care, and how to prevent bedsores and infections.

    Documentation

    You’ll maintain records for health insurance purposes.

    Treatment

    You’ll care for wounds, prevent bedsores and develop treatment plans for patients.
    nurse with young female patient on crutches

    Where you’ll work as a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse

    Wound, ostomy, and continence nurse work in a variety of settings, including:
    • Hospitals
    • Home health care
    • Long-term care centers
    • Nursing homes

    How to become a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse

    Get a 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 Wound, Ostomy, Continence and/or Foot Care and/or Advanced Practice and/or Wound Treatment Associate Certification through the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Certification Board.

    You’re ready to work as a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse!

    Wound, ostomy, and continence nurse career resources

    Become a member of a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
    Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society

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