Job Requirements
A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) prepared at a graduate level. The CNS improves outcomes by providing direct, advanced-practice patient care, leading evidence-based nursing practice, and optimizing organizational systems. The CNS can diagnose, prescribe, and treat patients and specialty populations across the continuum of care. The CNS serves as a leader in redesigning systems to improve access, quality, and safety in a cost-effective manner.
Key Accountabilities:
Direct Patient Care
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Conducts comprehensive wellness and illness assessments.
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Provides interventions to prevent or treat illness
- Uses advanced communication skills to address complex situations.
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Educates, guides, and coaches patients, families, and caregivers to establish patient-centered plans of care
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Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team.
Nursing/Nursing Practice
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Utilizes evidence-based practices to guide nursing practice
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Develops population profiles and conducts clinical inquiries to determine the need to change practice.
- Utilizes advanced clinical knowledge and communication skills through role modeling, consultation, and education with nurses and healthcare providers
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Creates and modifies evidence-based policies, procedures, protocols, and best practice models/guidelines
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Assists nurses and the interprofessional team to evaluate and change practice standards
Organization/Systems:
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Leads systematic quality improvement and safety initiatives
- Drives translation of best evidence into practice and facilitates integration of multiple programs and disciplines
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Collects and analyzes data while utilizing collaborative systems-thinking
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Advocates for the improvement of health care
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Utilizes expert leadership skills to influence policymakers and advocate for equitable healthcare.
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Leads discovery of innovations in patient care.
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Participates as members and leaders in state/national and specialty nursing/healthcare organizations
Work Experience
- Current, unrestricted Maryland certification as a CNS
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Graduation from an accredited CNS program (Reference COMAR 10.27.27.02[B] for CNSs who graduated prior to October 1, 2012)
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Master’s degree, Post Master’s Certificate, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and/or PhD
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Current, national CNS certification recognized by the Maryland Board of Nursing
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Current, unrestricted Maryland licensure as a Registered Nurse
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Two of more years of nursing experience in the area of practice is preferred.
