Year: 2014

Task Forces Will Develop Recommendations for Resources Clinical Nurse Specialists Need to Improve Care for Patients

The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) today announced the formation of two new task forces that will address two pressing issues in health care: malnutrition in hospitalized patients; and caring for patients with multiple chronic conditions. Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who ensure high quality nursing care that is evidence-based and promotes patient safety, while improving patient outcomes and lowering health care costs.

Continue reading

Women’s Health Competencies Developed to Improve Women’s Health

The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) today released the first-ever competencies for Women’s Heath Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS). The competencies were developed by the members of a joint task force comprised of representatives of AWHONN and NACNS. The Women’s Health CNS Competencies build on the National CNS Core Competencies and incorporate knowledge and scope of practice from standards of practice and evidence-based guidelines developed by AWHONN. They are entry-level competencies for all graduates of master’s, doctorate of nursing practice and postgraduate programs that prepare Women’s Health CNSs for certification and licensure.

Continue reading

10 Facts to Know About Clinical Nurse Specialists and How They Improve Health Care

September 1-7 is the sixth annual National Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) recognition week. While CNSs play a crucial role in health care and improving patient safety and quality of care, few people know who these nurses are. Here are 10 important facts to know about the CNS role in health care.

Continue reading

Survey Is Open to All Nurses Who Identify Themselves as Clinical Nurse Specialists, and/or Were Educated as Clinical Nurse Specialists

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) conducted its last national sample survey of the nurse workforce in 2008. Historically, policy-makers, health care leaders and others used the data from the survey to inform a range of health care policies and practices. To ensure this data is still captured, the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) has partnered with several national nursing organizations to help gather this critical information. As of this year, NACNS will collect crucial data on the demographics, education and practice of clinical nurse specialists, an important Advanced Practice Registered Nurse segment of the nursing profession.

Continue reading

Orlando, FL – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) today announced its 2014 Board of Directors. NACNS represents thousands of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) nationwide who provide direct patient care and lead initiatives to improve care and clinical outcomes, and reduce costs. The announcement was made at NACNS’ annual conference. The newly elected board members demonstrate leadership in nursing education, practice, research and administration.

Continue reading

Orlando, FL – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) today presented its prestigious Clinical Nurse Specialist Researcher of the Year Award to Kathleen M. Hanna, PhD, RN, CNS, Professor at the Indiana University School of Nursing. The Award was designed to nationally recognize an NACNS member for outstanding professional achievement as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) who has conducted original nursing research that has significantly enhanced the science of autonomous nursing practice, patient and family outcomes, and/or health care systems. It acknowledges a nurse for an accomplished program of research that has significantly contributed to advancing the nursing profession. The Award was presented at NACNS’ Annual Conference.

Continue reading

Orlando, FL – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) today presented its prestigious President’s Award to Brenda Lyon, PhD, RN, FAAN, Executive Vice President, Administration and Pre-Market Medical Device Evaluation at Aircom Manufacturing. Inc. and Medivative Technologies, and President of Health Potentials Unlimited, LLC., a private practice in stress-related physical illness. The Award recognizes an individual for extraordinary service to NACNS. It was established in 2013 to honor individuals or groups that make significant contributions toward the accomplishment of the NACNS mission. The Award was presented at NACNS’ Annual Conference.

Continue reading

Orlando, FL – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) today presented its prestigious Clinical Nurse Specialist Preceptor of the Year Award to Jennifer Kitchens, MSN, RN, ACNS, BC, CVRN, a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) at Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis and clinical faculty at Western Governors University. The Award was designed to nationally recognize an NACNS member for outstanding professional achievement as a CNS Preceptor. It recognizes a CNS preceptor who has demonstrated commitment to teach, coach and mentor CNS students to achieve CNS competencies. The Award was presented at NACNS’ Annual Conference.

Continue reading

Orlando, FL – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) today presented its prestigious Brenda Lyon Leadership Award to Mary Fran Tracy, PhD, RN, CCNS, FAAN, a critical care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview and Adjunct Clinical Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing in Minneapolis. The Award recognizes extraordinary leadership in service to NACNS. It is named for Brenda Lyon, a founding member and the second president of NACNS, and was presented at NACNS’ Annual Conference.

Continue reading