“The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) is pleased that this year, National Nurses Week focuses on the role of nurses in creating a culture of safety. As the largest group of health care professionals and those who work most closely with patients, nurses play a central role in creating a culture of safety. The clinical nurse specialist, one of the four types of advance practice registered nurses, plays a unique role in building a culture of safety every day, supporting nurses and other health care providers and ensuring the highest levels of patient care.
“Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) diagnose, treat and oversee the care of patients. CNSs provide expertise and support to nurses caring for patients at the bedside. And they help drive needed changes to nursing practice throughout health care organizations. Despite all the skills and benefits these nurses bring to health care, not every health care setting uses CNSs. If they did, more of the care provided in the United States would be based on research and best practices, health care costs would be reduced, and our nation’s health care system would be more efficient.
“NACNS is proud to be a part of this annual recognition of nurses’ unique and important contributions to health care. We will continue to work with other nursing organizations and other health professional organizations to ensure that the voices of nurses are represented and amplified in all discussions about health and health care in our nation.”
Note: National Nurses Week began on May 6, RN Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession.
Sharon Horner, PhD, RN, MC-CNS, FAAN is the President of the 2016-2017 NACNS Board of Directors.