Position Papers
Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist Network Statement on the Standardization of Post-Birth Alert Bracelet Programs (June 2026)
The Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Network, a special interest group within the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS), recommends national standardization of Post-Birth Alert bracelet initiatives. Establishing a consistent wristband color and unified messaging supports the rapid identification of individuals experiencing post-birth complications and promotes timely interventions essential to reducing preventable postpartum morbidity and mortality in the United States. MORE
Impact of Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice: Overview of the Last 5 Years (September 2025)
The Impact of Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice: Overview of the Last 5 Years presents a comprehensive synthesis of evidence demonstrating the measurable contributions of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) to patient care, workforce well-being, and organizational performance. MORE
Statement on Current Climate of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (August 2025)
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…MORE
Position Statement on Clinical Hours (August 2024)
Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with graduate level preparation at the master’s, post-graduate certificate, or doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) levels. CNS educational programs prepare students for practice in the CNS role…MORE
Executive Summary – Title Protection for the Clinical Nurse Specialist (March 2024)
Title protection is a regulatory mechanism used by state regulators to safeguard the public from fraudulent, unqualified individuals providing services without proper credentials. States regulate many providers; physicians, dentists, pharmacists, lawyers, and nurses…MORE
Title Protection for the Clinical Nurse Specialist (March 2024)
There is an opportunity to provide clarity regarding appropriate use of the title Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and related job descriptions. Employers are utilizing the title CNS to describe positions or staff that do not meet the education, certification…MORE
Using Simulation in Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum Education (October 2023)
Preparing the newest generation of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) to meet the increasingly complex needs of patients, nurses, and organizations requires innovative and forward-thinking educational strategies and methods…MORE
Entry for CNS Practice Position Statement (March 2023)
Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with graduate level preparation at the master’s post-graduate certificate, or doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) levels…MORE
Clinical Nurse Specialist Full Practice Authority (March 2023)
The 2008 Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) Consensus Model created a structure establishing licensing, accreditation, certification, and education (L.A.C.E) requirements for four APRN roles…MORE
PhD Position Statement (August 2016)
NACNS recognizes the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) as the highest level of formal education for those individuals whose career path is to develop science to promote the discipline and practice of nursing…. MORE
Importance of the CNS Role in Care Coordination (December 2013)
The CNS role promotes quality health care services and decreases health care expenditures… MORE
Achieving Specialty Competency for Clinical Nurse Specialists (September 2013)
NACNS strongly supports the continuation of specialty practice education for the clinical nurse specialist…. MORE
Prescriptive Privilege for the Clinical Nurse Specialist (September 2021)
NACNS recognizes the practice of the CNS is at the advanced practice level…. MORE
Clinical Nurse Leader – Statements 1 and 2 (September 2005)
NACNS recognizes that the AACN is proposing this role in response to the perceived quality gaps…. MORE
Opioid Position Papers
Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice in Pain Management (February 2025)
Safe, effective pain management is a right for all patients. Patient-centered pain management demands Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) advocacy and care that integrates evidence-based practice with respect for patient preferences, values, needs, and desired health outcomes… MORE
Considerations for the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Caring for Patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) (February 2025)
In 2022, an estimated 48.7 million people aged 12 or older (17.3% of the U.S. population) met DSM-5 criteria for having a substance use disorder (SUD), including 29.5 million people classified as having alcohol use disorder, and 27.2 million people classified as having a drug-use disorder (SAMHSA, 2023)… MORE
White Papers
NACNS White Paper on Telehealth Competency for the Clinical Nurse Specialist: Gap Analysis and Recommendations (August 2021)
The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) supports and advocates for the role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in the provision of telehealth services. The diversity of CNS roles and practice settings creates challenges in precisely defining how telehealth is incorporated into the CNS role…MORE
CNS Quality Outcomes Paper: Impact of the Clinical Nurse Specialist Role on the Costs and Quality of Health Care (December 2013)
Research and demonstration projects have shown that the CNS role is uniquely suited to lead implementation of evidence-based quality improvement actions that also reduce cost throughout the health care system…. MORE
NACNS Response to IOM Future of Nursing Report (March 2012)
NACNS supports the four overarching key messages identified by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, The Future of Nursing.… MORE
NACNS Statement on APRN Consensus Model Implementation (March 2012)
NACNS calls for careful implementation of the Consensus Model in order to preserve patient and health care system access to CNS services, particularly given the significant influence this role has on cost and quality of health care outcomes…. MORE
Certification of Clinical Nurse Specialists (September 2005)
NACNS supports validation of core knowledge, specialty knowledge, and attainment of CNS competencies…. MORE
Talking Points
Talking Points on Regulation of CNSs
Talking Points on CNS Certification
Other Resources
Nursing Organization Alliances Statement on Principles of a Healthful Practice/Work Environment. NACNS endorses this statement (September 2005)