Press Room

Clinical Nurse Specialists RISE and Celebrate Their Role in Week-long Event

CNS Week Starts Tomorrow; “Rise of the CNS” Theme

RESTON, VA – August 31, 2021 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) launched the 12th Annual Clinical Nurse Specialist Recognition Week (CNS Week) to celebrate the vital role of CNSs, increase awareness and attract a new generation of nurses to the specialty.

The theme of this year’s CNS Week is “Rise of the CNS.” “Rise of the CNS” represents the growing impact CNSs are making on the healthcare system and in patient outcomes. A schedule of events, beginning tomorrow, September 1 and concluding on September 7, along with a free “Celebration Tool Kit,” can be found  here.

“CNS are one of the four advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) and about 89,000 strong in the United States,” said Jan Powers, PhD, RN, CCNS, CCRN, NE-BC, FCCM, president, NACNS. “The goal of CNS Week — empowering CNSs to rise to the occasion—is to build awareness and appreciation of the role they play within healthcare, within their communities, and among the next generation of CNSs who are looking for rewarding careers and making a genuine contribution to better patient outcomes.”

CNS week is an annual event that acknowledges the contributions of the nearly 90,000 CNSs in the United States. CNSs are an elite and unique group that are the only APRNs qualified to integrate care across the three spheres of influence in healthcare:  patient, nurse and system.  NACNS is the only national organization representing CNSs and is dedicated to advancing the practice and education of CNSs. Watch the #CNSPride Video and hear from CNSs across the country on why they are proud to be a CNS.

CNS Week 2021 Highlights

  • Register to attend the free “Rise of the CNS” Webinar with NACNS President Jan Powers to kickoff CNS Week 2021.
  • Get the Celebration Tool Kit with all kinds of cool social media assets like Facebook Frames, Buzzkits and other resources to show your #CNSPride.
  • Wish the founder of the CNS profession – Dr. Hildegard Peplau — Happy Birthday here.
  • Learn more about Dr. Peplau from this blog.
  • Show your excitement and appreciation for CNSs! Order your merchandise from the NACNS store today.

About The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) is the only national association representing the clinical nurse specialist (CNS). CNSs are the most versatile advanced practice registered nurses and work in health care specialties to ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centered care. As leaders in the acute, post-acute, and ambulatory health care settings, CNSs impact direct patient care, nurses and nursing practice, and organizations and systems to optimize care and drive outstanding clinical outcomes. NACNS is dedicated to advancing CNS practice and education and removing unnecessary and limiting regulatory barriers while assuring public access to quality CNS services. For more information or to join NACNS, click here.