A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is a type of healthcare provider who is anadvanced practice registered nurse(APRN). A CNS has a master’s degree or doctoral degree in nursing. For more than 60 years in the U.S., clinical nurse specialists have provided care in a variety of settings.
This article will explain more about what a clinical nurse specialist does, their background, and why to see one.
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What Does a Clinical Nurse Specialist Do?
A clinical nurse specialist can diagnose, treat, and manage people seeking health care. However, providing primary care is only one part of their role in a healthcare setting. A CNS is also an:
The job responsibilities of a CNS may include:
Types of Clinical Nurse Specialists
A CNS can practice in many different types of specialties, such as:
Certification is available for specializing in adult/gerontology, pediatrics, and neonatal populations.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Background
Clinical nurse specialists are required to have a graduate school degree and nursing license. To become a clinical nurse specialist, you have to complete:
Reasons to See a Clinical Nurse Specialist
A CNS receives training to help specific populations, such as people with complex health conditions. Seeing a clinical nurse specialist can benefit people who have chronic or complex diseases because a CNS is an expert in coordinating this type of care.
They can also help people transition to different types of care and get access to other healthcare providers, depending on their needs.
The benefits of having a clinical nurse specialist can include:
Where to Find a Clinical Nurse Specialist
A CNS can work in a variety of settings, including:
The Best Traveling Nurse Services to Work for
Clinical Nurse Specialist Advice for Staying Healthy
Clinical nurse specialists want you to stay healthy. Consider the following tips:
Summary
A clinical nurse specialist is a type of advanced practice registered nurse. To become a CNS, you must attend graduate school and obtain either a master’s degree or doctoral degree in nursing. Clinical nurse specialists can work in a variety of settings and specialties.
A Word From Verywell
You do not have to be concerned about seeing a clinical nurse specialist instead of a physician. A CNS is a highly trained healthcare provider with extensive education and experience. Clinical nurse specialists can provide quality patient care in a variety of settings.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, a CNS is required to have either a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in nursing.No, a CNS is an advanced practice registered nurse, not a physician.Some states allow a CNS to prescribe medications, but other states do not allow it.An NP ornurse practitionerhas some similarities to a CNS, but there are several important differences. A CNS focuses more on research, administration, and education than an NP. Both positions can provide direct patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a CNS is required to have either a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in nursing.
No, a CNS is an advanced practice registered nurse, not a physician.
Some states allow a CNS to prescribe medications, but other states do not allow it.
An NP ornurse practitionerhas some similarities to a CNS, but there are several important differences. A CNS focuses more on research, administration, and education than an NP. Both positions can provide direct patient care.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health.Clinical nurse specialists.Proehl JA.What is a clinical nurse specialist and why do you need one?.Adv Emerg Nurs J. 2016;38(1):1-3. doi:10.1097/TME.0000000000000088National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists.What is a CNS?.Tracy MF, Oerther S, Arslanian-Engoren C, et al.Improving the care and health of populations through optimal use of clinical nurse specialists.Nurs Outlook. 2020;68(4):523-527. doi:10.1016/j.outlook.2020.06.004
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health.Clinical nurse specialists.Proehl JA.What is a clinical nurse specialist and why do you need one?.Adv Emerg Nurs J. 2016;38(1):1-3. doi:10.1097/TME.0000000000000088National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists.What is a CNS?.Tracy MF, Oerther S, Arslanian-Engoren C, et al.Improving the care and health of populations through optimal use of clinical nurse specialists.Nurs Outlook. 2020;68(4):523-527. doi:10.1016/j.outlook.2020.06.004
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institutes of Health.Clinical nurse specialists.Proehl JA.What is a clinical nurse specialist and why do you need one?.Adv Emerg Nurs J. 2016;38(1):1-3. doi:10.1097/TME.0000000000000088National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists.What is a CNS?.Tracy MF, Oerther S, Arslanian-Engoren C, et al.Improving the care and health of populations through optimal use of clinical nurse specialists.Nurs Outlook. 2020;68(4):523-527. doi:10.1016/j.outlook.2020.06.004
National Institutes of Health.Clinical nurse specialists.
Proehl JA.What is a clinical nurse specialist and why do you need one?.Adv Emerg Nurs J. 2016;38(1):1-3. doi:10.1097/TME.0000000000000088
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists.What is a CNS?.
Tracy MF, Oerther S, Arslanian-Engoren C, et al.Improving the care and health of populations through optimal use of clinical nurse specialists.Nurs Outlook. 2020;68(4):523-527. doi:10.1016/j.outlook.2020.06.004
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