Master of Science in Nursing
(Online)
Certification Option
The Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical nurse specialists comprise a group of over 65,000 advanced practice nurses (National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, 2004). The essence of the CNS practice is expertise in diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent, remediate, or alleviate illness and promote health. Graduates from the program will be eligible for national certification as Clinical Nurse Specialists in medical-surgical nursing and licensure as advance practice nurses in the state of Arkansas. Employment opportunities for graduates are many, including but not limited to the following: providing clinical leadership and consultation in health care settings; functioning as case managers in acute and primary care settings; conducting clinical research; and teaching in schools of nursing and other institutional settings.
What is a clinical nurse specialist (CNS)?
A clinical nurse specialist is a registered nurse who completed a master's degree program in nursing that prepares students in advanced nursing practice as a CNS. The CNS may be nationally certified in a specialty area and in some states, including Arkansas, may obtain an advanced practice nursing license.
What is the role of the clinical nurse specialist?
Clinical nurse specialists provide evidence-based nursing care and manage delegated medical regimens to specialty populations (National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists). They work in a wide range of settings including acute care, community, long-term care, and non-traditional.
What kind of employment opportunities exist for the clinical nurse specialist?
Employment opportunities are many, including but not limited to the following: providing clinical leadership, consultation and staff development in health care settings; functioning as case managers in acute and primary care settings; conducting clinical research; and teaching in schools of nursing and other institutional settings.