Nick Mireles is a writer on the central coast of California. He has a knack for film, music, and Dungeons and Dragons. When he’s not writing, he tries to spend his days reading, surfing, and camping along the coast.
Nick Mireles ContributorNick Mireles is a writer on the central coast of California. He has a knack for film, music, and Dungeons and Dragons. When he’s not writing, he tries to spend his days reading, surfing, and camping along the coast.
Written By Nick Mireles ContributorNick Mireles is a writer on the central coast of California. He has a knack for film, music, and Dungeons and Dragons. When he’s not writing, he tries to spend his days reading, surfing, and camping along the coast.
Nick Mireles ContributorNick Mireles is a writer on the central coast of California. He has a knack for film, music, and Dungeons and Dragons. When he’s not writing, he tries to spend his days reading, surfing, and camping along the coast.
Contributor Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Updated: Feb 6, 2023, 10:33am
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Becoming a clinical nurse specialist can help you take your nursing career further. These professionals have extensive knowledge and advanced degrees and are regarded as leaders in their healthcare facilities.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to become a clinical nurse specialist. We also break down earning potential for these professionals and the required certifications for this career path.
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Clinical nurse specialists are nurses with advanced education and training, known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Their expertise allows them to mentor other nurses and find evidence-based solutions to complex medical problems. Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) enhance the clinical environment by promoting patient safety and ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines within health practices.
CNSs’ primary responsibilities include direct patient care, indirect care, nursing leadership and diagnosing patients.
Research and education are significant responsibilities for CNSs as well. According to the latest National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists census, CNSs reported spending 29% of their time working on evidence-based practice projects. Over 32% of their time was spent mentoring and instructing students.
Work environments vary depending on a CNS’s specialty and skill set. Critical care and emergency rooms can be fast-paced and demand complex problem-solving skills. It is common for a CNS to work across multiple units simultaneously, overseeing patients receiving treatments ranging from oncology to wound care.
The first step to becoming a clinical nurse specialist is earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a related field. A traditional BSN route takes four years for full-time students to complete.
There are several ways to earn a BSN degree. Students with associate degrees in nursing can transfer to BSN programs while working as registered nurses. Hospital employers may even help subsidize tuition during this time.
You must become an RN before you can become a CNS, and all aspiring registered nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This demonstrates your capabilities as a nurse. For tips on how to create an NCLEX study plan and pass, check out our guide on NCLEX test prep.
Once you pass the exam, you can pursue RN licensure through your state’s board of nursing, which sets state-specific requirements for RNs.
You may obtain RN licensure before or after earning your advanced nursing degree. Most CNSs work as RNs for at least one year before pursuing CNS certification.
CNSs must earn at least a master of science in nursing (MSN), and those who aim to conduct research should earn a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP).
Your master’s in nursing should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. A typical MSN program takes two years to complete, but accelerated degrees such as BSN-to-MSN programs may be more efficient.
MSN coursework varies depending on your nursing school and prospective specialty. The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) has a directory of CNS programs and what they offer students. Most MSN programs provide advanced training in pharmacology, pathophysiology and advanced quality and safety in healthcare.
Coursework covers everything from theories and concepts to social justice and ethics within the healthcare system.
Your MSN or DNP degree program must include clinical experiences. According to NACNS guidelines, CNS academic programs should involve at least 500 supervised clinical hours for master’s and postgraduate preparation.
Qualifying hours are those in which students are practicing the CNS role in environments related to their chosen focus area or specialty. A faculty member or qualified CNS preceptor must supervise these clinical hours.
After completing your education and clinical hours, it’s time to obtain certification in your chosen specialty. The American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) administer most CNS certifications. You must meet eligibility requirements and pass an exam to earn the certification of your choice.
The ANCC confers the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS-BC™) certification. The AGCNS-BC exam costs $395 (with discounts available for members of specific nursing associations), and the credential is valid for five years.
AACN offers the following CNS certifications:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that APRNs make a median annual salary of $123,780. NACNS survey data reveal similar numbers for CNSs specifically, with the largest share of survey respondents reporting annual salaries ranging from $100,000 to $125,000.
The BLS projects employment for APRNs to grow by 40% from 2021 to 2031—much faster than the national average projected growth for all occupations nationwide (5%).
A CNS works in a managerial role, instructing and educating. An NP works directly with healthcare providers to implement practices.
Yes, very much so. According to the BLS, employment for advanced practice registered nurses, such as CNSs, is expected to grow by 40% by 2031.
RNs provide direct care to patients. Although CNSs can also provide direct care to patients, they also typically inform and supervise care within their organizations.
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ContributorNick Mireles is a writer on the central coast of California. He has a knack for film, music, and Dungeons and Dragons. When he’s not writing, he tries to spend his days reading, surfing, and camping along the coast.
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