What Is a CNS in Nursing? Clinical Nurse Specialist Role Overview
What is a CNS, and what does CNS stand for? A clinical nurse specialist bridges the gap between bedside care and the science of nursing, and works under an expanded scope of practice. This specialized role combines nursing expertise with organizational leadership. Could you make a great CNS? Learn more about this role and the training it requires.
An advanced practice nurse (APRN) has undergone additional training and education to take on more responsibilities. There are four types of APRNs:
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
- Nurse midwife (CNM)
- Nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
What Is a Clinical Nurse Specialist and What Do They Do?
A CNS serves as a leader and clinical expert in their specialty. They may care for patients directly, similar to an NP, but they also design care systems and implement evidence-based practice. To work as a CNS, a registered nurse needs an additional master’s or doctoral degree.
CNS Core Competencies
There are three core competencies upon which a CNS will focus:
- Patient/Family: Implement evidence-based practice, consult with patients, evaluate impact of nursing interventions on patient outcomes.
- Nursing Practice: Consult with nurses responsible for patient care, and collaborate with nurses to make positive change.
- Organization/Systems: Collaborate with healthcare team to optimize patient experiences, and outcomes, lead and participate in quality improvement and safety initiatives
This multifaceted career track carries many responsibilities. A clinical nurse specialist job description may include the following:
- Direct patient care: Performing patient assessments, ordering interventions, giving education, coordinating care plans, and leading improvements in clinical care
- Nursing practice leadership: Determining population needs, serving as a consultant and role model, creating policies, and supporting implementation
- Organizational innovation: Leads safety and quality improvement initiatives, collects and analyzes data, advocates for healthcare improvement, and creates a culture of health within the community
What does a CNS do on a daily basis? On a given day in this role, you might sit in on a unit huddle to discuss a recent rise in falls, then lead a presentation for nurse managers about a new medication protocol. In the afternoon, you might collaborate with an informatics nurse to analyze EHR data about patient stays, developing a strategy to promote safer discharges. If you enjoy job variation and challenge, this could be a great role for you.
The Pros and Cons of Being a CNS
Like any other career, there are positive and negative aspects of working as a CNS. See the table below for more details about the benefits and drawbacks of this path.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More practice autonomy than an RN
Opportunity to make a broader impact on patient outcomes through system improvements Work is varied and challenging |
Additional responsibilities may bring more stress
Varying practice authorities across states can impact your scope of practice when moving to a new state Working within the limits of healthcare systems can be frustrating |
Looking for more information on the CNS career? Check out some fun facts about being a clinical nurse specialist.
What Is a CNS Salary on Average?
The typical clinical nurse specialist salary tends to be higher than that of RNs, though it will be influenced by your particular role. For example, NPs earn an average of $132,000 per year. Your exact salary will depend on your years of experience, education, facility, specialty area, and location. If you’re investigating jobs with the greatest earning potential, see nursing roles with the highest salaries.
Check out jobs in the states with high APRN pay:
Employment of advanced practice nurses overall is projected to grow by 40% over the next decade. This is much faster than the 3% growth expected of all other occupations. Pursuing this path could lead to a high-impact, fulfilling career.
How to Become a Clinical Nurse Specialist: 4 Steps
The amount of time it takes to become a CNS varies based upon your unique situation, but the required education and training takes six years and likely more. Traditional nursing school usually takes four years if you attend class full-time. A master’s degree usually takes two years, and a doctoral degree can take up to six years.
Step 1: Become an RN
Clinical nurse specialist requirements begin with becoming a registered nurse. First, you’ll need to complete a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Nursing programs combine clinical rotations with didactic learning, so that you’ll be applying your classroom knowledge with real-world experiences. Learn more about nursing school requirements.
Step 2: Gain Experience
Next, you’ll need job experience—most programs require a year or more. Consider beginning your career in a new grad residency program. These curricula add structure to the transition from student to professional nurse. Many nurses get their start in acute care specialties like med-surg, telemetry, oncology, and others.
Step 3: Earn a Graduate Degree as a CNS
What is a CNS degree?Clinical nurse specialist programs come in three varieties. Sometimes it’s possible to combine NP schooling with the training to become a CNS.
- Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN): Programs take 1–2 years to complete.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree: A terminal nursing degree, these programs take 3–6 years.
- Post-graduate certificate: Not offered everywhere, these programs require a previous MSN and take six months to two years.
Step 4: Earn a Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification
Once you graduate, you’ll need to obtain a national certification to become licensed in your state, and begin working in your first roles. Below are some common CNS certification options:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): Focuses on optimal patient care and cultivating your commitment to the profession with certification options in a range of specialties.
- AACN Certification Corporation: Focuses on health and safety in various levels of care that are aligned with national standards of excellence. There are three Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CCNS) certifications from AACN:
- ACCNS-Neonatal
- ACCNS-Pediatric
- ACCNS-Adult-Gerontology
Once you’re credentialed, it’s time to take on your first CNS jobs. As you’re applying, See our CNS resume guide, and use our CNS sample cover letter.
CNS FAQ
What is a CNS vs. NP?
Is a CNS the same as a nurse practitioner? Although there can be overlap between the two roles, they’re not identical. NPs primarily focus on direct patient care, and while a CNS may also care for patients, they’re more likely to focus on administration, research, and program development.
What is the difference between a CNS and an RN?
A CNS is an RN who has additional education and training, allowing them to work under a larger practice scope. An RN needs either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree, alongside a state license, to practice. A CNS must meet these requirements, and have a graduate degree and national certification on top of that.
What Is a CNS to Do When They’re Ready for a New Job?
Come to IntelyCare, of course. We have roles across the country for APRNs, RNs, CNAs, and other nursing professionals. Learn more with personalized job notifications that alert you to new roles in your area.
Ayana Dunn, BSN, RN, contributed to the writing of this article.