The role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is to provide clinical expertise for evidence-based practice within the specialty of Rheumatology. Through autonomous practice they develop, implement and evaluate programs of care to maximize outcomes for patient-specific and rheumatologic populations. As direct care providers they complete comprehensive assessments, diagnosis and treatment plans for those with rheumatic conditions.
What does the Clinical Nurse Specialist do?
A CNS is an advanced practitioner who works in a particular specialty, for example, rheumatology. The CNS provides specialty care through:
- Assessment of the patient
- Education
- Role modeling
- Team building
- Quality improvement and research
- Leadership
- Evidence based practice
- Care coordination
- And serves as a patient advocate
Where does the Clinical Nurse Specialist work?
- Hospital units
- Outpatient clinics
- Private practice
- Rehabilitation centers and long-term care facilities
- Home health agencies
- Public health centers
What kind of training does the Clinical Nurse Specialist have?
- A CNS is a registered nurse with advanced training at the master's or doctorate level
- CNS educational curriculum contains courses in advanced health assessment, physiology, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, advanced therapeutics and specialty preparation, as well as research methodology and utilization
- Regulated by both state and federal laws, CNS’s are licensed as registered nurses in the states in which they practice
References
- The National CNS Competency Task Force, (2010) Clinical Nurse Specialist Core Competencies: Executive Summary 2006-2008. Retrieved from: National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
- American Nurses Association (2010) Scopes and Standards of Practice. (2nd Edition). Washington DC: Author.
- DeNisco, S.M., & Barker, A.M. (Eds). (2013). Advanced practice nursing: Evolving roles for the transformation of the profession. (2nd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
This information is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnoses and treatment of a medical or health condition.