Philadelphia, PA – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) today presented its prestigious Affiliate of the Year Award to the Central Indiana Organization of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CIOCNS). The Award recognizes an NACNS affiliate that has sustained membership growth, offered educational opportunities, built clinical nurse specialist (CNS) leadership, contributed to NACNS’ growth, and advanced the CNS role.
CIOCNS has consistently increased its membership since it began as a group of CNSs who met at a colleague’s home in 1998. In 2012, CIOCNS was officially incorporated and began establishing itself as a leader and supporter of CNS practice in Indiana. The new CIOCNS website provides CNSs and others across the state and in neighboring states with information about the CNS role and current events and news affecting CNSs in the state. To help support and grow the profession, the affiliate recently endowed a fellowship and provides financial aid and mentoring for CNS students.
Numerous CIOCNS members have played key roles in NACNS, including volunteering on committees and serving as members of NACNS Board of Directors and in the role of President. CIOCNS members have also contributed to the science of nursing practice, as researchers and publishing often in peer-reviewed journals.
“The Central Indiana Organization of Clinical Nurse Specialists includes some of the greatest advocates for the CNS role and has been a steadfast and strong supporter of NACNS’ goals and mission,” said NACNS 2016 President Sharon Horner, PhD, RN, MC-CNS, FAAN. “Their efforts to increase awareness of the importance of the CNS role, advance science and encourage nurses to pursue a CNS career are truly exemplary.”