title: The Advanced Practice Clinical Nurse Specialist.
abstract: The clinical nurse specialist (CNS), one of the 4 advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) categories, has a unique role to play in contributing to high-quality patient care and system-level change across multiple health care settings. CNS practice requires advanced knowledge and skills, including specialty expertise, the ability to integrate new knowledge and innovation into the system of care, the ability to consult and collaborate with all health professions, and the mentoring of nursing staff to support and fully implement that new knowledge. The purpose of this article was to describe the role of the CNS, explain the background of the CNS role as it relates to APRN practice, provide current CNS workforce statistics, and share opportunities for hospitals and health systems to strategically use CNSs to advance patient and organizational goals.
authors.affiliation: Beyster Institute of Nursing Research, Advanced Practice, and Simulation, Hahn School of Nursing & Health Science, University of San Diego, San Diego, California (Drs Mayo and Urden); National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Ms Ray); Children's Health, Dallas, Texas (Dr Chamblee); and Franciscan Alliance, Hammond, Indiana (Ms Moody).
authors.forename: Ann M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Mayo
authors.forename: Melinda Mercer
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Ray
authors.forename: Tracy B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Chamblee
authors.forename: Linda D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Urden
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moody
mesh_terms: D057179:Advanced Practice Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000639:trends*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000592:standards; D000078329:Workforce