Saturday, January 31, 2009

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

A clinical nurse specialist is an advanced practice nurse who also assists with specialized research, education, advocacy, and sometimes management. In addition to being Registered Nurses, Clinical Nurse Specialists also hold a Master’s of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) and they have completed the additional CNS certification for their respective area of expertise.
Clinical Nurse Specialists are, as the name implies, trained, and educated in a particular medical specialty. For example, a CNS of oncology would be highly trained in the treatment of cancer patients. A CNS of oncology may assist with clinical trials, and hold informational or educational meetings for cancer patients or other oncology nurses. Additionally, the CNS for oncology may assist in developing nursing protocols or quality improvement methods within the oncology department of a hospital.