title: Clinical nurse specialist orientation: ready, set, go!
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Both novice and experienced clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) need a consistent orientation to ensure that all in the role have the same knowledge base from an agreed upon set of role expectations.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article was to describe an orientation process using the 3 spheres of CNS practice as the framework for a CNS competency validation tool that can be used in all practice specialties and settings. Additionally, the roles of CNS preceptor and CNS mentor are delineated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The orientation tool based on the spheres of influence provides a thorough and consistent orientation for CNSs and may also be used as an educational tool for leadership and other staff regarding the CNS role.
authors.affiliation: Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, University of San Diego, San Diego, California, USA. urden@sandiego.edu
authors.forename: Linda D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Urden
authors.forename: Kathleen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Stacy
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D008611:Mentors; D009726:Nurses; D013041:Specialties, Nursing; D000078329:Workforce