Clinical
Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are advanced practice nurses who observe, conceptualize,
diagnose, and analyze complex clinical and nonclinical problems. CNSs utilize a
range of theory relevant to understanding health problems and deciding upon
potential treatment.
CNSs provide clinical direction to the
nursing staff with regards to the delivery of patient care programs and ensure
the nursing staff maintains an established level of clinical competency.
Other Clinical Nurse Specialist
responsibilities include providing direct patient care, administering
medication, IV therapy, and treatments, as well as consultation, clinical
practice, education, and research.
Clinical Nurse Specialists may work in a
variety of inpatient areas and outpatient areas. Inpatient areas include
pediatric, perinatal, geriatric, rehabilitation,
critical-care, emergency/trauma, medical-surgical, and psychiatric. Outpatient
settings include community, home health, occupational health, public health,
and schools.
Clinical Nurse Specialists should
possess critical thinking, creative problem solving, communication, teaching,
team building, supervision, and delegation skills. They must be accountable,
responsible, flexible, and committed to high standards of quality care.
Job
Outlook
According to the U.S. Department of
Labor, Clinical Nurse Specialists will continue to be in high demand,
especially in areas that are medically underserved like inner cities and rural
areas.
Education
and Other Requirements
Note: These are general requirements and
may vary by employer or state.
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