Year: 2025

NACNS Announces 2026 Leadership Team

December 29, 2025/Announcements

Newly elected leaders will represent and advocate for nearly 90,000 clinical nurse specialists across the country.

WAKEFIELD, Mass. – Dec. 29, 2025 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) announced the results of its 2026 leadership election, naming three incoming board members, four nominating committee members, and the 2026 president-elect. Their terms will begin following the NACNS Annual Conference in March 2026.

As the voice for nearly 90,000 clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) nationwide, NACNS advances the work of this essential group of advanced practice registered nurses. CNSs contribute deep clinical expertise across settings, support complex care decisions, and help strengthen patient outcomes through evidence-based practice and informed leadership.

Current President Rick Bassett, MSN, RN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, FCNS, LSSGB, welcomed the newly elected leaders and reflected on the responsibilities that lie ahead for the CNS community.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to our newly elected colleagues. Their commitment comes at a time when clinical nurse specialists are contending with significant pressures across practice environments, education pathways and workforce sustainability. Serving our membership remains central to keeping this role strong, and I’m confident that our new leaders will help advance that work with clarity and purpose.”

2026 President, Jackeline Iseler, DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE, FCNS, added, “I am delighted to welcome our new representatives and am grateful for their willingness to step into these important roles. Working together, we will continue to reinforce the strength and visibility of the clinical nurse specialist profession. Their leadership will be instrumental in supporting CNSs nationwide and in advancing the standards of practice that our patients and health systems rely on.”

Alec Stone, MA, MPA, CNE, will continue to serve as the NACNS Executive Director. His role was introduced in 2025 to provide continuity, additional advocacy, and long term vision to the organization.

Newly elected leadership for 2026 includes:

2026 President-Elect

  •  Kayla M. Little, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, PCCN, FCNS

Board of Directors

  • Mary Lawanson-Nichols, MSN, RN, CNS, NP, CCRN, FCNS
  • David F. Bradley Jr., Lt Col (Ret.), USAF, DNP, MSN, AGCNS-BC, CNOR, FCNS
  • Marcia S. Cornell, DNP, APRN-CNS, RN, ACNS-BC, NPD-BC, CEN, TCRN, FCNS

Nominating Committee Members

  • Audrey Tran, MSN, RN, AACNS-N, Maj, USAF, NC
  • Samantha DiBlasi, MSN, RN, NP-C, CNS, CEN
  • Matthew Blake, DNP, RN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CNOR, DiMM, Maj, AN
  • Christina Vejnovich, DNP, APRN-CNS, AGCNS-BC, CDP, CADDCT, PCCN-K

About The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

NACNS is the only national association in the U.S. representing the CNS. It is committed to showing the value of the CNS as an APRN, embracing full practice authority for all CNSs, providing support to individual CNSs, CNS programs, and entities employing CNSs, and achieving and maintaining organizational excellence. NACNS strives to meet its vision that every CNS is an APRN with a full scope of practice and is a transformative innovator leading improvement across healthcare environments. For more information or to join NACNS, click here.

Media Contact
Claudia Houde
NACNS Public Relations
Tel: (781) 876-6227
Email: choude@virtualinc.com

Advocacy Update: Protecting Nursing as a Professional Degree

December 27, 2025/Advocacy

NACNS continues to support efforts to raise awareness of nursing issues with the federal government. In December, a bipartisan group of legislators reiterated their opposition to the U.S. Department of Education’s RISE Committee’s proposed change to the definition of nursing as a profession. The delegation stated:

“Nurses and nurse faculty make up the backbone of our health system, and post-baccalaureate nursing degrees lead to demonstrated outcomes…post-baccalaureate nursing degrees should be treated equally to other accredited post-baccalaureate health profession degrees…”

NACNS will continue to work with more than 50 national professional nursing organizations to ensure that education, workforce, and healthcare priorities are clearly understood by decision-makers.

Read the Full Letter Here

Clinical Nurse Specialist Institute Announces 2026 Class of Fellows

December 18, 2025/Announcements

CNSI 10th Anniversary | Fellow CNSI

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Institute (CNSI) is pleased to announce the 2026 Class of CNSI Fellows. This is a highly prestigious honor and is only awarded to those members of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) who epitomize the excellence of clinical nurse specialists as leaders of the nursing profession, staunch advocates for patients and families, and forerunners of innovations to improve the health of populations.

The new fellows will be inducted on Tuesday, March 10th, during the NACNS 2026 Annual Conference in San Diego, California. All NACNS members and conference attendees are welcome and encouraged to attend by purchasing guest tickets to the GALA Celebration & CNSI Induction Dinner event; available on the NACNS 2026 Annual Conference registration website.

The CNSI 2026 Class of Fellows are:

Sarah Andrews, DNP APRN ACNS-BC ANVP-BC RN ASC-BC CRRN SCRN PCCN-K CMSRN
Ascension Texas Network Stroke Program Manager
Ascension Texas, Austin TX

Matthew Beier, MS, RN, CNS-BC, APNP, CNOR
Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist
Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI

Jennifer Bierbaum, DNP, RN, APRN-CNS, AGCNS-BC, CENP, CPHQ, GERO-BC
Director of Nursing Practice & Innovation
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, Clinton, MD

Casey Blalock, MSN, APRN, CNS, CPN
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Rady Children’s Health, San Diego, CA

Karrie Boss, DNP, RN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, EBP-C
System Director Evidence-Based Practice
Summa Health, Akron, OH

Sarah Chilson, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, ACNPC-AG, CCRN
Lieutenant Commander
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
United States Navy
Jacksonville, FL

Julie-Kathryn Graham, PhD APRN ACCNS-AG
Associate Professor, Nurse Scientist
San Diego State University, Sharp Healthcare, San Diego, CA

Karen Fotino, DNP, APRN, RN, AGCNS-BC, GERO-BC, MEDSURG-BC, CMSRN
Associate Clinical Professor
Northeastern University, Boston, MA

Amanda Golino, DNP, APRN, CCRN, CCNS, PMGT-BC, TCRN
Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
Inova, Leesburg, VA

Ashley Hill, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CCRN
Senior Specialist Global Medical Affairs
Baxter International, Raleigh, NC

Jennifer Katlen, MEd, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, GERO-BC
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital, Warrensville Heights, OH

Alyson Keen, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC
Nurse Scientist
Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN

Myra King, DNP, APRN-CNS, ACNS-BC, CCRN-CSC
APRN Manager
Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH

Nora Love-Retinger, DNP, RN, CNS, CURN, OCN
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY

Danilo Mendoza, DNP, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN
Department Chief of Critical Care Nursing
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD

Erin Pope, DNP, RN, AGCNS-BC, AMB-BC
Connected Care Nurse Manager/Facility Telehealth Coordinator
VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, Loma Linda, CA

Christine Perebzak, MSN, APRN, PCNS-BC
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, Emergency Department
Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, OH

Tiffany Rader, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CMSRN
Manager Nursing Practice and Quality
Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN

Leasha Roy, MSN, MHA, APRN, ACCNS-AG, PCCN, CCRN
Clinical Nurse Specialist
ChristianaCare, Newark, DE

Kimberly Sanchez, PhD, RN, CNS, CCRN, ACCNS-AG
Nurse Scientist
Keck Medical Center of USC, Los Angeles, CA

Kathy Shaffer, DNP, APRN, NE-BC, AGCNS-BC, C-ONQS
Director of Nursing Practice – Ambulatory Care
Advocate Health, Charlotte, NC

Sheree Scott, PhD, RN, AGCNS-BC, CMSRN
Associate Professor
University of San Diego, San Diego, CA

Shelley Sherman Zapata, MSN, APRN-CNS, CEN
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Rady Children’s Health San Diego, San Diego, CA

Christine Slaughter, DNP, APRN-CNS, CCRN, CCNS, CV-BC
Cardiovascular Clinical Nurse Specialist
University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY

Michael Szeliga, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CMSRN, CPHQ
Clinical Nurse Specialist
ChristianaCare, Newark, DE

Kimberly Wittmayer, MS, APRN-FPA, PCNS-BC, PMGT-BC, AP-PMN
Advanced Practice Supervisor
Advocate Children’s Hospital, Oak Lawn, IL

Please join us in congratulating our CNSI 2026 Class of Fellows!

In 2016, the CNSI was founded as an arm of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS). Its goal is to develop and promote the charitable, educational, innovative clinical practice, and scientific purposes of NACNS. Today, the Clinical Nurse Specialist Institute is the 501(c)3 arm of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Action Alert: Defining Nursing as a Professional Degree

December 12, 2025/Advocacy

NACNS has joined the ANA and more than 20 other national nursing specialty organizations in expressing grave concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Education’s proposed definition of “professional degree” programs, which excludes nursing. Read the petition here.

NACNS has already sent a formal letter to the Department urging a reclassification of the definition to specifically include “nursing” in the list of professional degrees.

Join our 2,000 CNS colleagues in sending the email below to your U.S. Representative (find yours at: https://www.house.gov/representatives) in support of recognizing nursing as a professional degree. Please consider lending your voice by:

  1. Using the sample letter below
  2. Adding any relevant personal and/or professional information
  3. Sending the email from a personal, not an employment, email address

Download the Sample Letter Here

Thank you for being an advocate for NACNS and all 4 million U.S. nurses!

Sincerely,

Rick

Rick Bassett, MSN, RN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, FCNS
President

Elizabeth

Elizabeth Hoxie, DNP, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CMSRN
Co-Chair, Legislative Committee

Dale

Dale Scott, DNP, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN
Co-Chair, Legislative Committee

Advocacy Alert: Nurse Education Funding Cuts

November 28, 2025/Advocacy

Advocacy Alert: Nurse Education Funding Cuts

New US Department of Education rules could sharply restrict access to federal financing for graduate-level nursing students, including CNSs and other APRNs. The proposal would reclassify post-baccalaureate nursing programs as “graduate” degrees instead of “professional” degrees. As a result, nursing students would qualify for only half the federal loan amounts available to medical students.

NACNS is uniting with over fifty other nursing organizations to get this policy changed before the final regulation language is released in early 2026, and implementation in July 2026.

Take Action Now

One easy thing you can do right now is sign the petition to ask the Department of Education to include nursing in its proposed definition of professional degree programs. It takes less than a minute and is an important way to leverage strength in numbers.

Further steps you can take include:

  1. Post about the issue on social media, and reshare posts from NACNS and other organizations to your followers. (“Liking” the posts is great, but the real magic happens when you reshare.
  2. Talk about the issue with colleagues.
  3. Contact your member of Congress. You can use the “Find Your Representative” tool on https://www.house.gov/ to learn who they are.

Sign the Petition Now

Rick’s Round-up: CNS Certification Process

September 30, 2025/President’s Corner

For his second edition, NACNS President Rick Bassett discusses the CNS certification process, advice for finding a CNS program, and more.

1. What are the national CNS certification options for an experienced CNS, nationally board-certified in a specialty (CWOCN), and practicing since 1989? This question is in regards to Medicare billing as a CNS. Medicare will only allow billing by a CNS if they are ANCC certified.

This is a great question that needs some additional context in order to provide a clear answer. In most states, the title CNS is title-protected, which means you are academically trained, certified, and licensed as a Clinical Nurse Specialist before you can use the title CNS. With regard to Medicare billing, while they do mention ANCC, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation also offers Clinical Nurse Specialist certifications, and my understanding is that those would be acceptable as well. It would be best to check with your local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) to confirm which ANCC and AACN CNS certifications are accepted. Unfortunately, your CWOCN is not an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certification, and my understanding is that it is not listed among Medicare’s recognized certification bodies.

To become a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), you must apply to and complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or a post-graduate CNS program. After completing the educational requirements, you must pass a certification exam administered by either the ANCC or AACN, and then obtain CNS licensure in your state.

2. I’m trying to find a CNS program that would allow me to practice in the hospital setting, not gerontology. Do you have any suggestions?

NACNS offers a valuable resource called the CNS Program Directory, which helps prospective Clinical Nurse Specialists identify programs by population focus, delivery format, and location. If you are seeking certification in Adult-Gerontology, it is important to note that gerontology content is required to sit for the certification exam. This requirement applies to both the ANCC and AACN certification pathways.

Currently, there are three population-specific CNS certifications available through AACN Certification Corporation:

ACCNS-Adult-Gerontology
ACCNS-Pediatric
ACCNS-Neonatal

The ANCC offers the Adult-Gerontology CNS (AGCNS-BC) certification.

If your interest lies in Pediatric or Neonatal CNS practice, you may pursue programs that focus exclusively on those populations. These certifications do not require gerontology content, and graduates are eligible to practice in hospital settings without it.

3. I have been an RN for 20 years, but 99% of my work experience is in ambulatory care. In fact, I am a Certified Ambulatory Care nurse. I am interested in becoming a CNS, but I wonder if my lack of hospital experience would be an issue?

Congratulations on your 20 years of nursing experience and on earning your Ambulatory Care Nurse certification. It is exciting that you are considering becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist. CNSs across the country specialize in ambulatory care, and your background positions you well for this path.

During your academic preparation, you will be required to complete clinical experiences in a variety of settings, which may include both clinics and hospitals. However, you can work with your program to focus the majority of your clinical hours in ambulatory care environments, aligning with your intended area of practice. This is a conversation you should have with the Program Director of the CNS program you are considering.

Importantly, a lack of hospital experience does not disqualify you from becoming a CNS. Your expertise in ambulatory care is valuable and can be leveraged throughout your education and future practice.

4. The University of Colorado has paused enrollment in its Adult-Gerontology CNS program with the Spring 2025 semester. I am wondering if the decision is related to a possible lack of interest in or knowledge about what a CNS can do, or a lack of CNS jobs in my state. Any thoughts?

Thank you for sharing this update. The University of Colorado’s decision to pause enrollment in its Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) program beginning Spring 2025 appears to be part of a broader strategic adjustment rather than a reflection of the CNS role’s value or viability. While the university has not publicly cited a specific reason, such pauses often relate to internal factors such as faculty availability, curriculum restructuring, or shifting institutional priorities.

Nationally, the CNS role remains strong and continues to demonstrate its value across healthcare settings. According to the NACNS 2022 CNS Census, there is a growing demand for CNSs, particularly as nearly 30 percent of the current workforce plans to retire within five years. This underscores the need for succession planning and expanded educational pathways. While exact employment figures for CNSs in Colorado are not publicly available through NACNS or the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the census highlights a nationwide need for CNSs, suggesting that states like Colorado with robust healthcare systems are likely to reflect similar trends in demand.

However, awareness of the CNS role can vary by region and institution. Some healthcare leaders may lack a complete understanding of the CNS’s contributions, particularly in areas like quality improvement, clinical education, and systems leadership. This can influence hiring practices and program support.

5. I am currently pursuing an MSN degree in Nurse Executive Leadership. What is the next step to become a CNS?

Once you have completed your MSN degree in Nurse Executive Leadership, you will want to seek information on a Post-Graduate Certificate Clinical Nurse Specialist program. Please check out this resource, CNS Program Directory on the NACNS website, as there are several options across the nation.

6. I have a CNS title but not a license. What is the process to obtain one in my situation?

Thank you for your question. If you currently hold the title of Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) but are not licensed. It is important to clarify your status and ensure you are practicing within the legal and professional boundaries of your state. The title “Clinical Nurse Specialist” is protected in many states, meaning it may only be used by individuals who have completed the required education, obtained national certification, and are licensed by their state board of nursing.

Using the CNS title without meeting these requirements can be misleading and may violate state regulations. I encourage you to verify whether your state enforces title protection for CNSs. If you are unsure, contacting your state board of nursing is a good first step.

To move forward toward licensure, you will need to:

  • Complete a CNS-specific graduate program: either a master’s, DNP, or post-master’s certificate focused on your chosen population.
  • Earn national certification through an accredited body such as the ANCC or AACN.
  • Apply for licensure as a CNS through your state’s board of nursing.

The NACNS CNS Program Directory is an excellent resource to help you identify programs that meet these requirements and align with your goals. This guide will help you complete the necessary academic preparation to become certified and licensed to practice as a CNS.

Welcome Message from the new NACNS Executive Director, Alec Stone

September 29, 2025/Announcements

Dear NACNS Members,

It is with some humility and a great deal of excitement that I proudly introduce myself as the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists’ (NACNS) new Executive Director.

Having worked with national nursing membership organizations for close to 20 years, I can clearly state that the role of the nurse has never been more important in society than it is today! Science, medicine, and healthcare are under assault, yet for more than two decades, nursing has remained the most trusted and ethical profession in the United States. And for a very good reason, the nurse is the point of contact with the patient during life’s most vulnerable moments.

NACNS, as the professional home for clinical nurse specialists, is critical in raising awareness for the community. With reportedly more than 90,000 US CNSs, NACNS remains a vital voice on clinical, educational, and workforce issues. Through programming, CEUs, research, conferences, and advocacy, NACNS is taking the experiences and expertise of CNSs to decision-makers, helping to transform the field.

It remains a challenging time, but with that, there are opportunities. Just as nurses do, NACNS will continue to find solutions to problems, paving the way for a stronger discipline, and its dedication to the profession, the practice, and the patient.

Your voice is needed in this worthy endeavor! Get engaged, join a committee, promote an idea, and enlist a colleague! The future can often be uncertain, but clinical nurse specialists persevere!

Feel free to reach out and let me know how proud you are to be a NACNS member!

Sincerely,
Alec

Alec Stone, MA, MPA, CNE
alec@NACNS.org

 

 

NACNS Publishes Position Statement Affirming Commitment to DEIB

August 15, 2025/Blog

The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) stands unequivocally in support of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) as foundational to nursing practice, patient outcomes, and the advancement of healthcare.

NACNS remains unwavering in its advocacy for DEIB in nursing education, practice, research, and leadership. We will continue to push for policies that reinforce evidence-based strategies for mitigating health disparities and promoting workforce inclusivity. We call upon our members to actively engage in these efforts — whether through institutional advocacy, mentorship, or scholarship — so that we may collectively uphold the core values of nursing: compassion, advocacy, and justice. View Full Statement

NACNS Represents CNSs at the ANA General Assembly

July 15, 2025/Blog

On behalf of Clinical Nurse Specialists nationwide, NACNS President Rick Bassett and President-Elect Jackeline Iseler participated in the 2025 American Nurses Association (ANA) General Assembly, ANA’s highest governing body. As an Organizational Affiliate, NACNS ensures CNS voices are heard in shaping national nursing priorities.

Our participation reinforces NACNS’s commitment to:

  • Advocating for full practice authority by removing outdated Medicare and Medicaid barriers;
  • Influencing national nursing policy to reflect the unique contributions of CNSs in clinical leadership, systems change, and quality improvement;
  • Collaborating across nursing organizations to address workforce safety, health equity, and education reform;
  • Elevating the CNS role through national visibility and recognition.

Your NACNS leadership is at the table, amplifying your voice, advancing your role, and shaping the future of nursing.

Advocating for the Nursing Profession on Capitol Hill: ANA Hill Day 2025

July 2, 2025/Blog

On June 26, 2025, nearly 500 nurses from 47 states gathered in Washington, D.C., for the American Nurses Association (ANA) Hill Day. These nurse leaders participated in meetings with members of Congress and their staff, collectively advocating on behalf of more than 5 million registered nurses across the United States. 

Among the attendees were Rick Bassett, President of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS), and Jackeline Iseler, NACNS President-Elect, who joined hundreds of nurses in bringing key legislative issues to the forefront during a time of unprecedented staffing shortages and workforce challenges. Their presence underscored the importance of strong advocacy to advance policies that support the nursing profession and improve health outcomes for patients nationwide. 

This year’s advocacy agenda centered on four critical legislative priorities: 

Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act 

This bipartisan legislation seeks to remove outdated and arbitrary restrictions within Medicare and Medicaid that prevent Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) from practicing to the full extent of their education and clinical training. Modernizing these policies is vital to improving access to high-quality care and addressing persistent healthcare workforce shortages. 

Protecting and Stabilizing Medicaid 

Nurses voiced opposition to proposed Medicaid reforms that could negatively impact patients and the providers who care for them. They called for policies that ensure stable, long-term financing for Medicaid to protect access to essential health services. 

Reauthorizing Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs 

Participants advocated for the reauthorization of Title VIII programs through Fiscal Year 2030 and urged Congress to support at least $530 million in funding for nursing workforce development, along with $210 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) in FY 2026. These programs are crucial to sustaining and strengthening the current and future nursing workforce. 

Preventing Workplace Violence Against Nurses 

Nurses advocated for legislative measures that protect healthcare workers from violence in the workplace, recognizing that a safe work environment is essential to both nurse retention and patient care quality. 

These legislative priorities directly impact the work environment, education, and practice authority of nurses—especially Clinical Nurse Specialists—who are uniquely positioned to lead quality improvement, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes across care settings. 

As noted in the ANA Hill Day 2025 press release, the collective voice of nursing was powerfully represented at the Capitol. By uniting behind common goals, nurses including leaders from NACNS continue to influence national policy and dismantle long-standing barriers to practice. 

These four topics all relate to improving nurses’ working environment and practice barriers that have existed for decades. Participants of Hill Day collectively focused on these topics, working together to make their voices heard. The positive impact that Hill Day brings will benefit all registered nurses, including CNSs, by improving work environments and removing practice barriers.