This President’s Corner tackles two timely questions from our CNS community: How can experienced nurses transition into the Clinical Nurse Specialist role, and what is NACNS’s perspective on artificial intelligence in nursing practice? In these responses, we explore pathways to becoming a CNS, highlight the value of clinical and leadership experience, and discuss how CNSs are uniquely positioned to lead the safe and effective integration of emerging technologies into healthcare. Whether you are considering a career transition or curious about the future of AI in nursing, we hope these insights are helpful.
Q: I have been an RN for 19 years and am currently in my DNP healthcare systems leadership practicum. How can I become a CNS?
First, 19 years of clinical experience is exactly the foundation that makes an exceptional CNS. Your depth of practice, systems perspective, and leadership experience are assets, not a detour.
Here is what the pathway looks like:
The CNS is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who requires a graduate-level program specifically designed to prepare CNSs. While your DNP in healthcare systems leadership reflects impressive academic and leadership achievement, CNS preparation requires coursework and clinical hours aligned with the three spheres of CNS practice: patient/client, nurses and nursing practice, and organizations/systems.
Here are your next steps:
- Identify a CNS program aligned with your specialty interest. NACNS maintains a CNS Program Directory to help you locate accredited programs. Visit nacns.org to explore options.
- Review program requirements. Many MSN or DNP-level CNS programs offer pathways for nurses who already hold graduate degrees. Some credits from your current program may transfer; speak directly with program directors. We would conduct a gap analysis to identify which courses are required and which ones can be waived.
- Connect with a CNS mentor. NACNS’s Mentorship and Professional Development resources can connect you with an experienced CNS who can help you navigate the pathway.
- Know your state’s requirements. CNS licensure and scope of practice vary by state.
Your 19 years at the bedside and your systems leadership preparation are not starting over; they are the launching pad. We would love to welcome you into the CNS community.
Q: Do we have plans for creating a position statement related to AI, such as the ones from ANA and AANP?
This is a great question. I appreciate that our members are tracking these developments so closely.
NACNS is actively monitoring this space. We are currently awaiting the American Nurses Association’s final guidance and position framework on artificial intelligence before proceeding with a CNS-specific statement. We will use ANA’s guidance to determine our next steps. As the national authority on CNS practice, NACNS is committed to ensuring that any position we publish is grounded in evidence, aligned with broader nursing consensus, and meaningfully specific to the CNS role and our three spheres of practice.
What I can tell you is that CNSs are uniquely positioned to lead at the intersection of AI and clinical practice. We are the translators between innovation and implementation. We evaluate evidence, guide practice change, and protect patients when technology outpaces safety systems.