title: Clinical nurse specialist: role definition as discharge planning coordinator.
abstract: Changes within the health care system have forced hospitals to address two objectives: reduction in the number of patients who exceed the mean length of stay, and reduction in readmission rates. Many health care organizations have turned to the discharge planning program for assistance in meeting these objectives. The development of a discharge planning program is extensive and multifaceted. For the program to be effective, the coordinator of the program requires expertise in various roles including administrator, practitioner, consultant, educator, and researcher. Such a mission is especially suited for the advanced knowledge and expertise of the CNS.
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Schneider
mesh_terms: D003253:Consultants; D006801:Humans; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D015399:Nursing Research; D009934:Organization and Administration; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012380:Role