Development and implementation of an online CNS program.
OBJECTIVE
Online educational programs are rapidly increasing in all fields. This article describes a private university's online clinical nurse specialist graduate program that included supervised clinical practicum experiences.


METHODS
The program was designed using the 1998 National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) Statement on Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice and Education as a curriculum guide. Issues that occur with online program development/design, implementation, and evaluation are described and solutions are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
The online education program for clinical nurse specialists faced challenges; however, faculty and students agreed that this innovative program is a success.
Baldwin
Kathleen M
KM
Texas Christian University Harris School of Nursing, Fort Worth, TX 76132, USA. k.baldwin@tcu.edu.
Burns
Paulette G
PG
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009862:Online Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D013781:Texas