Clinical Nurse Specialist Career Overview
Written by:
University of Tulsa
• Sep 17, 2024
Clinical Nurse Specialist Career Overview
One exciting aspect of the nursing profession is the sheer number of career paths available. While some nurses may prefer to spend their careers providing direct care to patients, others may prefer leadership, policy development, and team management.
A role worth considering is that of clinical nurse specialist (CNS). This advanced nursing role entails a great deal of managerial responsibility and can have an impact on not only specific patient outcomes but also the overall direction of a health care organization. For those with the right nursing education , this position can be immensely rewarding.
What Does a Clinical Nurse Specialist Do?
A clinical nurse specialist is a nurse who goes on to obtain a more advanced level of education and training, equipping them to manage entire nursing teams or provide leadership within a health care organization. In this role, a nurse may not only direct the activities of other nurses but also help form and revise internal policies and procedures. A CNS may even play an active role in directing research efforts within the organization.
What Is the Clinical Nurse Specialist Job Description?
While the CNS job description may vary from one position to the next, a typical list of duties and responsibilities includes the following:
- Managing a nursing staff to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients
- Participating in clinical research to help improve nursing policies and procedures
- Analyzing strategies to manage resources and control costs more effectively
- Educating nurses on best practices; providing opportunities for nurse advancement
Where Does a Clinical Nurse Specialist Work?
A CNS may focus their practice on any number of nurse specialties . For example, they may provide leadership to a team focused on oncology, pediatrics, emergency wound services, or wound care.
CNS roles are available in a range of medical facilities, including hospitals and large-scale practices.
How to Become a Clinical Nurse Specialist
Even for a non-bedside nursing role like this one, obtaining the right clinical competencies is crucial. This requires a combination of academic training and real-world nursing experience.
Step 1: Obtain an Undergraduate Degree
An important first step is to achieve success at the undergraduate level. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can help foster the foundational skills that every CNS requires.
Step 2: Become an RN
Every CNS begins their career as a registered nurse (RN). Obtaining this status means sitting for the nursing exam, which the state nursing board administers. Passing this exam confers RN licensure and makes it possible to begin clinical practice. Nurses who obtain their RN license with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can also pursue an RN to BSN program to earn their BSN, which can be a valuable asset for career progression and advanced education.
Step 3: Gain Experience
Becoming a clinical nurse specialist usually requires three to five years of experience within the desired nursing specialty. This not only ensures comfort with the basics of patient care but also helps earn the trust and buy-in of other nurses.
Step 4: Seek Advanced Nursing Status
Becoming an advanced practice nurse means obtaining a higher level of degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which can help cultivate leadership skills. Nurses without a BSN degree can also pursue an RN to MSN pathway program. Additionally, seeking certification in the nursing specialty of choice is important.
Step 5: Focus on Core Skills
Throughout this process of career development, it’s vital to emphasize relevant skills. The most essential CNS skills include communication, critical thinking, literacy regarding legal compliance, and basic financial acumen. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) further outlines core competencies for clinical nurse specialists that include consultation, collaboration, coaching, nurse leadership, and direct care.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual salary for CNSs was approximately $101,230 as of July 2024, according to Payscale. Salary can vary based on many factors, including level of education and years of clinical experience.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects positions for RNs, including CNSs, will increase by 6% between 2022 and 2032. This growth rate is a bit faster than the average for all professions.
Find Success as a Clinical Nurse Specialist
For nurses seeking a leadership role, the CNS position is well worth pursuing. An important step in the career journey is obtaining the right education as it ensures the right combination of nursing skills and leadership abilities.
The University of Tulsa’s online nursing programs offer a range of opportunities for professional development, including core courses, such as human anatomy, microbiology, acute and chronic care, and pharmacology. Find out how TU can equip you for a long-term career as a clinical nurse specialist, providing the tools and resources to be an effective nurse leader and clinician.
Recommended Readings
How to Become a Hospital Administrator
Sources:
Indeed, “Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): The Path to Become One”
Indeed, “Comparing Clinical Nurse Specialists vs. Nurse Practitioners”
Payscale, Average Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Salary
