1

2 Who We Are CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALISTS (CNS) Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are licensed registered nurses who have graduate preparation (Master’s or Doctorate) in nursing as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Clinical Nurse Specialists are expert clinicians in a specialized area of nursing practice. The specialty may be identified in terms of a: –Population (e.g. pediatrics, geriatrics, women’s health) –Setting (e.g. critical care, emergency room) –Disease or Medical Subspecialty (e.g. diabetes, oncology) –Type of Care (e.g. psychiatric, rehabilitation) –Type of Problem (e.g. pain, wounds, stress)

3 Who We Are (continued) Clinical Nurse Specialists practice in a wide variety of health care settings. In addition to providing direct patient care, Clinical Nurse Specialists influence care outcomes by providing expert consultation for nursing staffs and by implementing improvements in health care delivery systems.

4 Who We Are (continued) Clinical Nurse Specialist practice integrates nursing practice, which focuses on assisting patients in the prevention or resolution of illness, with medical diagnosis and treatment of disease, injury and disability Clinical Nurse Specialists are eligible to prescribe in 37 states. If a Clinical Nurse Specialist elects to use their prescriptive authority, they may prescribe durable medical equipment and/or pharmaceuticals.

5 Who We Are (continued) CNS practice is conceptualized across three spheres in which the CNS exerts influence: – Patient/Client Sphere (Individual, Family, Community) – Staff Sphere (Nurses, Nursing Practice) – Organization/System Sphere Expert nursing practice in the patient/client sphere provides the underpinnings for CNS practice.

6 Selected Outcomes of CNS Practice Reduced Medical Complications in Hospitalized Patients Reduced Hospital Costs and Length of Stay Improved Pain Management Practices Increased Patient Satisfaction with Nursing Care Increase Professional Development of Nurses Reduced Frequency of Emergency Room Visits

7 CNS Statistics An estimated 59,242 RNs have the education and credentials to practice as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Approximately 16,363 are prepared as both a nurse practitioner and a CNS. (HRSA, 2008 National Sample Survey of RNs) Depending upon the region of the country and clinical specialty, CNS salaries range from $65,000 to over $110,000 annually.

8 MISSION: To enhance and promote the unique, high value contribution of the clinical nurse specialist to the health and well-being of individuals, families, groups and communities, and to promote and advance the practice of nursing. ESTABLISHED: Sept. 30/Oct. 1, 1995, in Indianapolis, IN

9 HERITAGE: Grew out of commitment from grassroots national representation of CNSs meeting collectively over a 6 year period at a biannual CNS conference sponsored in the Midwest by the Indiana University School of Nursing NACNS is the first organization to represent CNSs and is responsible for clarification & dissemination of the nature of CNS practice within the US.

10 Strategic Goals Increase national visibility and influence of CNSs. Promote the growth and development of NACNS. Provide a national forum for CNSs to exchange information, share resources and discuss current issues. Maintain NACNS as the national authority for CNS practice, education, and research. Demonstrate the linkage of CNS practice to safe, high quality, evidence-based cost effective health care.

11 Membership Categories STUDENT: An Individual Who holds a license to practice as a registered nurse; provides verification of enrollment as a part-time or full-time student in an accredited masters program that prepares clinical nurse specialists or is a clinical nurse specialist enrolled full-time in a doctoral program; pays dues at a reduced rate as established by the NACNS Board of Directors.

12 Membership Categories REGULAR: An Individual Who: holds a license to practice as a registered nurse; and holds a masters/doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited program that prepares clinical nurse specialists, or has a masters/doctoral degree, in a related area; practices as a clinical nurse specialist or is doctorally prepared and is involved in the education and development of clinical nurse specialists; has paid the assessed dues; is entitled to vote, hold office, and chair committees.

13 Membership Categories RETIRED: An Individual Who: pays dues at a reduced rate as established by the NACNS Board of Directors; may participate on committees; retains voting rights.

14 Membership Benefits A subscription to Clinical Nurse Specialist: The Journal for Advanced Nursing Practice — 6 issues annually (a $97.91 value) Electronic Newsletter – CNS Communiqué Access to JBI Connect+: an array of web-based resources that support the use of evidence and the concept of evidenced-based practice in clinical decision making Access to information provided to members only, including the membership directory, updates on public policy and issues affecting practice and education. (continued)

15 Membership Benefits Reduced registration rates for the annual NACNS Conference Opportunities to be involved at a national level on committees that directly impact the NACNS and ultimately CNS practice across the country Assistance in the development of regional and local NACNS affiliates (continued)

16 Membership Benefits Discount fees for ANCC CNS exams Representation in policy forums addressing your concerns about regulation, certification, reimbursement and other legislative and regulatory issues Representation in many national forums addressing nursing and CNS practice Communication via the NACNS website

17 National Leadership Role Current Initiatives Dissemination of Criteria for the Evaluation of Clinical Nurse Specialist Master’s, Practice Doctorate, and Post-Master’s Certificate Educational ProgramsCriteria for the Evaluation of Clinical Nurse Specialist Master’s, Practice Doctorate, and Post-Master’s Certificate Educational Programs Development of Web-Based Case Studies for Geriatric Care. Implementation of a Legislative and Regulatory Agenda Development of Tool Kit for state legislative priorities.

18 National Leadership Role State based advocacy to achieve appropriate regulation of CNSs. Collaboration with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) on the annual survey of graduate education programs (continued)

19 Your Opportunities for Growth Legislative/Regulatory Committee Membership Committee Nominating Committee Practice Committee Research Committee Affiliate Advisory Committee Education Committee through participation in NACNS

20 Membership Fee Structure Joining is a bargain, considering all the benefits you receive. STUDENT MEMBERSHIP: $80.00 REGULAR MEMBERSHIP: $ RETIRED MEMBERSHIP: $62.50

21 Contact Information JOIN TODAY! Membership applications are easy to get, simple to complete and convenient to submit. NATIONAL OFFICE NACNS 100 North 20 th Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia, PA PHONE (215) FAX (215) ONLINE STAFF Ethan Gray, Managing Director

22 Join today! Find out more at nacns.org