clinical nurse specialist (CNS), an advanced practice registered nurse who holds a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing and certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or designated nursing specialty organization. The CNS, as a practitioner, assumes a leadership role in the distribution of clinical care to a specific patient population while interacting within the total health care system. The unique functions of the CNS are based on clinical expertise and judgment and include caring for patients, delegating responsibility, teaching other staff members, and influencing and effecting change with respect to the needs of the patient, family and the health care system through contributions to and utilization of evidence-based care.
