Clinical Nurse Specialist

What is a clinical nurse specialist?

A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is a type of nurse who provides direct care to people. They also serve as leaders among other healthcare providers. Clinical nurse specialists are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This means they must have a master’s degree or higher.

All APRNs are registered nurses (RNs) who also have graduate training. This advanced education gives them a broad and deep set of knowledge and skills. APRNs can take on leadership roles within their workplaces and support people in their communities.

Other types of APRNs include:

• Certified nurse midwives
• Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs)
• Certified nurse practitioners (CNPs)

What does a clinical nurse specialist do?

Clinical nurse specialists provide direct care, as well as indirect care.

Direct care is what you or your loved ones see or experience firsthand. This may include:

• Giving you a physical exam
• Giving you treatments
• Helping you learn to use medical equipment
• Teaching you and your family about your condition

Indirect care usually happens in places where you can’t see it (like in offices or meeting rooms). But it still affects you. This is because it shapes the procedures healthcare providers follow and the resources they can access. Clinical nurse specialists often try to change bigger-picture issues that affect many people in hospitals.

For example, they may use data on hospital-acquired infections (like C. diff) to find better ways to identify and treat them. They may also teach and mentor other nurses. Some clinical nurse specialists work with community organizations that support people’s health. Overall, a CNS often engages in behind-the-scenes work that helps improve the quality of healthcare that you and others receive. A CNS may also perform research and investigate problems.

When should you see a CNS?

You might see a CNS for your primary care needs. Like primary care physicians (PCPs), clinical nurse specialists can do physical exams and make diagnoses. They’re also qualified to prescribe medications (in some states) and order diagnostic tests. These include blood tests and X-rays. They’ll refer you to other healthcare providers when appropriate.

Clinical nurse specialists can help you stay healthy, manage various conditions or arrange palliative or hospice care.

What does a CNS specialize in?

As an advanced practice registered nurse, a CNS may choose to specialize in a specific type or area of medicine. They become experts in the area they choose. For example, they might specialize in a:

• Disease or condition, like cancer or diabetes
• Patient population, like geriatrics or pediatrics
• Setting, like intensive care units or emergency rooms
• Type of care, like psychiatric or rehabilitation
• Type of health issue, like chronic pain or injuries

Where do clinical nurse specialists work?

Clinical nurse specialists deliver healthcare in a wide variety of settings, including:

• Clinics
• Corporations
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Prisons
• Private practices
• Schools

Clinical nurse specialists most frequently work in hospitals.