CNS – What is it?
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are registered nurses (RNs) who have:
- A master’s or doctoral degree in nursing
- Extensive nursing knowledge and skills
- Clinical experience in a specialty area
Because the CNS practice is dynamic, competencies for the role will change over time in response to population health needs and evolving practice and health-care environments.
Four main core competencies from the Canadian Nurses Association:
- Clinical care
- System Leadership
- Advancement of nursing practice
- Evaluation and Research
Canadian Nurses Association. (2009). Clinical nurse specialist: Position statement. Ottawa: Canadian Nurses Association.
Role of the CNS with the UBC Breast Reconstruction Program
They work with the Breast Reconstruction team under VCH to improve patient-centered care and on program development projects.