Nursing Research

Clinical Nurse Specialists:

Although the number of CNS's has declined recently, CNS's are the second-largest type of APRN and are estimated to number approximately 45 000 in 2008. The role of a CNS is to improve clinical care, primarily in hospitals and extended care  facilities, by providing advanced clinical nursing expertise to help coordinate care for individuals, educate nursing personnel who provided direct care, and help identify and improve aspects of the health system organization that affect patients and nursing staff. CNS's have expertise in one or more clinical areas such as oncology, paediatrics, geriatrics, psychiatric/mental health, adult health, obstetrics, acute/critical care, and community health. Although about half of CNS's are employed in hospital settings, often in administrative or supervisory roles, CNS's also work in ambulatory care, public health, and academic settings. Nearly 64% are over the age of 50 years, making them the oldest group of APRNs. Average earnings for a full-time CNS were $86000 in 2008