Category: Press Releases and Advisories


United States and Canadian Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Associations Sign Agreement to Increase Visibility of North America’s 93,000 CNSs

The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (U.S.) and the Clinical Nurse Specialist Association of Canada Sign a Memorandum of Understanding

RESTON, Va. – April 4, 2023 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) announced today that the organization has signed and renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Clinical Nurse Specialist Association of Canada (CNS-C). The MOU unites North America’s two Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) associations with the joint objective of promoting activities that increase the visibility of the 89,000 US CNSs and over 3,000 Canadian CNSs in North America.  

CNSs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have graduate preparation, such as a master’s or a doctorate in nursing. Like other advanced practice registered nurses, US CNSs are trained in advanced physiology, pharmacology and physical assessment in addition to their particular areas of specialty. They are trained to diagnose, treat, prescribe and bill like other APRNs.

The collaboration includes joint legislative and regulatory advocacy as well as marketing activities. Each CNS association will continue to appoint liaisons to meet quarterly with the responsibility of coordinating efforts between the two organizations. 

“Both organizations have similar opportunities and legislative objectives such as advocating for title and role protection and prescriptive and full practice for CNSs,” said past NACNS president Phyllis Whitehead, Ph.D., APRN/CNS, ACHPN, PMGT-BC, FNAP, FCNS.There is strength in working together so that we have a more powerful CNS advocacy network. The continuation of this MOU ensures ongoing collaboration between our associations allowing us to combine efforts and present a united North American strategy to increase the visibility and value of the CNS role while promoting growth and attracting membership engagement for all CNSs.”

“At a time of nursing shortages, supporting the experts in nursing who can support general staff nurses is critically important. This agreement allows clinical specialists in nursing to collaborate and support each other as we support the health care systems of both countries,” said Elsabeth Jensen, RN, BA, Ph.D. (Nursing) and president, CNS-C. “While there are differences between the health care systems in both countries, there are many similarities. The challenges faced by clinical nurse specialists are similar. Sharing strategies for promoting the CNS role will benefit the public and improve health care across the continent. CNSs are uniquely positioned to bring focus and contribute to change in complex health care systems and improve patient and system level outcomes.”

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 a variety of 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. Learn more and discover the benefits of joining the NACNS.

About the Clinical Nurse Specialist Association of Canada 

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Association of Canada (CNS-C) / Association des infirmières et infirmiers cliniciens spécialisés du Canada (ICS-C) is the only national association representing the clinical nurse specialists (CNS) in Canada. CNS-C officially incorporated in January 2016 and have representatives across the provinces and territories of Canada. CNSs have advanced education and specialized clinical expertise within nursing practice. CNSs provide a leadership platform through which they can impact and influence cost-effective health care system change to support safe, quality care and superior outcomes. In Canada, there is a need to develop more CNS Master in Nursing programs and achieve CNS title protection to ultimately improve patient/client outcomes. For more information or to join CNS-C, please refer to our website. 

For any media inquiries in the US, please contact:
Melissa Bednar
NACNS Public Relations
mbednar@virtualinc.com

For any media inquiries in Canada, please contact:
Elsabeth Jensen
President, CNS-C
elsabethj@gmail.com

Paul-André Gauthier
Executive Member, CNS-C
Membre du Conseil Exécutif, ICS-C
paul_andre_gauthier@hotmail.com


National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists Announces 2023 Award Winners

Only US CNS Association Recognizes Outstanding Professional Excellence

RESTON, Va. – March 17, 2023 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) recently announced its 2023 award winners, president, and president-elect. Mitzi Saunders, Ph.D., APRN, ACNS-BC, was elected president and Jennifer Manning, DNS, ACNS-BC, CNE, was elected president-elect of NACNS. Five new board members were also recently elected. 

NACNS is the only US non-profit organization representing the 89,000 clinical nurse specialists (CNS) in our country, and is dedicated to advancing the practice and education of the role. CNSs are one of the four categories of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).

Awards were given out to NACNS members and affiliates in the CNS field whose achievements and contributions were outstanding. Award winners were nominated and selected by their peers. More information about the annual NACNS Awards Program can be found on our website

“In order to continue to drive forward the adoption of the CNS role, we need people like these eleven award winners that go above and beyond for their practice,“ said Mitzi Saunders, Ph.D., APRN, ACNS-BC and NACNS president. “I am thrilled to be able to honor these hardworking professionals and all they do for the CNS profession.”

The 2023 NACNS National Award Winners are:

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist of the Year: Marianne Hiles, MSN, RN, APRN-CNS, ACNS-BC, RNC-LRN, C-EFM, FCNS
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist Academic Faculty Award: Jackeline Iseler, DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist Evidence-Based Practice / Quality Improvement of the Year Award: Misty Lamprecht, MS, APRN-CNS, AOCN, BMTCN
  • Armed Forces Clinical Nurse Specialist of the Year Award: Major Kenneth Romito, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CNOR, CSSM
  • Rising Star Clinical Nurse Specialist of the Year Award: Matthew Keyes, MS, RN, CNS, ACCNS-AG, AGCNS-BC
  • NACNS Affiliate of the Year Award: North Carolina Affiliate of NACNS
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist Mentor of the Year Award: Kellie Capes, DNP, RN, AGCNS-BC, PCCN, CMSRN
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist Preceptor of the Year Award: Marcia Cornell, DNP, APRN-CNS, RN, ACNS-BC, NPD-BC, CEN, TCRN
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist Entrepreneur/Intrapreneur of the Year Award: Lisa Soltis, MSN, RN-BC, APRN, PCCN-K, CCRN-CSC-CMC, CCNS, CES-A, FCCM, FCNS
  • Sue B. Davidson Service Award: Dianna J. Copley, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN
  • Brenda Lyon Leadership Award: Erica Fischer-Cartlidge, DNP, RN, AOCNS, EBP-C
  • President’s Award: Jan Powers, Ph.D., RN, CCNS, CCRN, NE-BC, FCCM, FAAN

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 a variety of 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. Learn more and discover the benefits of joining the NACNS. 


Five Clinical Nurse Specialists Named To NACNS Board Of Directors

National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists To Advocate For 89,000 CNSs In U.S.

RESTON, VA – January 19, 2023 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) announced the election of five members to the NACNS Board of Directors  and introduced its President-Elect and Secretary-Treasurer today.  

NACNS represents thousands of clinical nurse specialists (CNS) across the country.  Clinical nurse specialists are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who have graduate preparation in nursing.  They can diagnose, treat, prescribe and bill like other APRNs as allowed by their state regulations and typically hold leadership positions at the hospital or system level.

“NACNS Board Members play a critical leadership role within the organization.  They act as the primary advocates for the 89,000 CNSs in the United States,” said Phyllis Whitehead, PhD, APRN/CNS, ACHPN, PMGT-BC, FNAP, FAAN and president, NACNS. “Their advocacy extends beyond NACNS to their patients and the organizations they serve.  CNSs are uniquely qualified to work at the bedside as well as in clinical or educational roles.”

About NACNS Board of Directors
Newly named officers and board members include:

President-Elect
Jennifer L. Manning, DNS, ACNS-BC, CNE​
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing

Secretary-Treasurer
Linda Thurby-Hay, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, BC-ADM, CDCES
Bon Secours Mercy Health Richmond

Board Members
Jackeline Iseler, DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE​
Michigan State University

Pamela Moss, MPH, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN-CSC​
Johns Hopkins University

Amy Shay, PhD, RN, APRN-CNS, FCNS​
Indiana University-School of Nursing

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 a variety of health care specialties to ensure 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


National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists 2022 Award Winners and New Board Announced

National Awards Recognize Clinical Nurse Specialists for Outstanding Professional Achievement 

RESTON, VA – March 23, 2022 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) recently unveiled its 2022 award winners, president, president-elect and new board of directors at its Annual Conference. Phyllis Whitehead, PhD, APRN/CNS, ACHPN, PMGT-BC, FNAP, FAAN was elected president and Mitzi Saunders, PhD, APRN, CNS-C. was elected president-elect of NACNS. New board members include: 

  • Rick Bassett, MSN, RN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, FCNS
  • Susan Dresser, PhD, MSN, APRN-CNS, FCNS
  • Cherrie Pullium, DNP APRN ACNS-BC, FCNS

NACNS is the national, non-profit organization representing the 89,000 clinical nurse specialists (CNS) in the United States and is dedicated to advancing the practice and education of CNSs. CNSs are one of the four Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN).

Twelve CNS Award Winners Honored

The twelve award winners were honored for their professional achievements and contributions to advancing the CNS profession in the United States. Award winners were nominated and selected to receive the honors by their APRN peers. More NACNS Award Program information can be found here. 

“These twelve award winners represent everything CNSs stand for; professionalism, community, and excellence,” said Phyllis Whitehead, PhD, APRN/CNS, ACHPN, PMGT-BC, FNAP, FAAN and president, NACNS. “In 2022 we are looking forward to honoring these and more CNSs who have shown exceptional dedication to the profession.” 

2022 NACNS National Award Winners

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist of the Year: 2022 Recipient: Kathleen Hopkins, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist Educator of the Year Award: 2022 Recipient: Lynn Mohr, PhD, APRN, PCNS-BC, CPN, FCNS
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist Evidence-Based Practice / Quality Improvement of the Year Award: 2022 Recipient: Lynne Brophy, MSN, PGMT-BC, APRN-CNS, AOCN
  • Armed Forces Clinical Nurse Specialist of the Year Award: 2022 Recipient: Wendy Hamilton, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC, RN-BC
  • Rising Star Clinical Nurse Specialist of the Year Award: 2022 Recipient: Kayla Little, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, PCCN
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist Researcher of the Year Award: 2022 Recipient: Tina Mason, PhD, APRN, AOCN, AOCNS, FCNS
  • NACNS Affiliate of the Year Award: 2022 Recipient: Virginia Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist Mentor of the Year Award: 2022 Recipient: Commander Karen Flanagan, ACCNS-AG, AGACNP-BC, CEN
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist Preceptor of the Year Award: 2022 Recipient: Jennie Matays, MS, RN, CNS, CCNS, CCRN
  • Sue B. Davidson Service Award: 2022 Recipient: Lynn Mohr, PhD, APRN, PCNS-BC, CPN, FCNS
  • Brenda Lyon Leadership Award: 2022 Recipient: Kimberly Elgin DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC, PCCN, CMSRN
  • President’s Award: 2022 Recipient: Sean M. Reed, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, ACHPN, FCNS

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 a variety of health care specialties to ensure 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.


Clinical Nurse Specialist Armed Forces Affiliate Announced By NACNS

Grow To 22 NACNS Affiliates And 89,000 CNSs in The United States

WAKEFIELD, MA. – November 22, 2021 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) announced today the addition of an Armed Forces Affiliate bringing the total number of NACNS Affiliates to 22 nationwide. NACNS Affiliates are independent state and regional common interest groups with mission and goals similar to NACNS. They benefit from affiliating with the national organization for the 89,000 CNSs and having access to NACNS resources.

NACNS’s Armed Forces Affiliates has representation from three services, – Navy, Air Force and Army – and will advocate for the CNS across the Defense Health Agency. 

“NACNS’s Affiliate Program provides groups the opportunity to link with a national association and influence issues of concern to CNSs,” said Jan Powers, president, NACNS. “The Armed Forces Affiliate will highlight the wonderful things CNSs are doing across the nation and those serving abroad, as well as showing how CNSs are making an impact in military healthcare. “

By becoming an affiliate of NACNS, organizations can benefit from NACNS materials, gain opportunities to influence the positions, activities and resources of NACNS, and market affiliate groups accomplishments in the “CNS Journal” and NACNS Newsletter. For more details about affiliation and learn about how to get started, click here for the Affiliate Application.

22 NACNS Affiliates And Growing

NACNS Affiliate Program members include; Alabama Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Alaska Clinical Nurse Specialist Association, Armed Forces Affiliate, Arkansas Clinical Nurse Specialists, California Association of CNSs, Central Indiana Organization of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Chesapeake Bay Affiliate of NACNS, Delaware Valley Affiliate of NACNS, Florida Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Georgia CNS, Michigan Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Minnesota Affiliate of National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Mo-Kan Clinical Nurse Specialists, North Carolina Affiliate of National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Northeast Ohio CNS, Oklahoma Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Oregon Council of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Susquehanna Valley of Pennsylvania NACNS Affiliate, Texas Clinical Nurse Specialists, Virginia Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, VA Virtual, Washington State CNS, Wisconsin Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, West New York NACNS.

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 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


NACNS Leaders Named American Academy of Nursing Fellows

12 CNSs Honored as Distinguished Leaders

RESTON, VA – October 13, 2021 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) announced today that Jan Powers, PhD, RN, CCNS, CCRN, NE-BC, FCCM, President and Phyllis Whitehead PhD, RN, APRN/CNS, ACHPN, PMGT-BC, FNAP, President-elect of NACNS were inducted into The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) 2021 Class of Fellows. The inductees were recognized for their significant contributions to health and health care at the Academy’s Annual Health Policy Conference, October 7-9, 2021. Out of the 89,000 CNSs in the United States, Powers and Whitehead are part of an elite group of 12 CNSs inducted into the AAN 2021 Class of Fellows:

Jan Powers, PhD, RN, CCNS, CCRN, NE-BC, FCCM, President of NACNS—Parkview Health, Fort Wayne, IN

Phyllis Whitehead, PhD, RN, APRN/CNS, ACHPN, PMGT-BC, FNAP, President-elect of NACNS – Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, VA

Gail E. Armstrong, PhD, DNP, ACNS-BC, RN, CNE – Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR

Virginia Capasso, PhD, CNP, CNS, CWS, FACCWS – Massachusetts General Hospital, MA

Joanne DeSanto Iennaco, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC – Yale University, New Haven, CT

Linda S. Ehrlich-Jones, PhD, RN, CNS – Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Chicago, IL

Rebecca Bartlett Ellis, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC – Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

Melanie Gibbons Hallman, DNP, RN, CNS, CRNP, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, ENP-C, FAEN – University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL

Cynthia Taylor Handrup, DNP, PMHCNS-BC – University of Illinois Chicago, IL

Roberta Kaplow, PhD, APRN-CCNS, AOCNS, CCRN – Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA

Martha Mathews Libster, PhD, MSN, APRN-PMHCNS, APHN-BC – Rogers Behavioral Health, Wisconsin

Jamie Myers, PhD, RN, AOCNS – University of Kansas, Lawrence, KA

“The Academy aims to improve health and achieve health equity through nursing leadership, innovation, and science,” said Powers.  “The Academy now has over 2,900 Fellows, or members, who collaborate and create research-based policy initiatives to advance the field of health care.”

The AAN invites nurses in education, management, practice, and research every year to become Fellows. These members exhibit significant career accomplishments and are expected to contribute time and knowledge to enhance the quality of health and nursing, promote healthy aging and development, and shape healthy behaviors, among other responsibilities.

Powers was elected president of NACNS in March 2021 and has served as the Director of Nursing Research and Professional Practice at Parkview Health in Fort Wayne, IN, since 2015. She received her BSN, MSN, and PhD in Nursing from Indiana University.

Whitehead serves as the president-elect of NACNS, is a clinical ethicist and palliative care clinical nurse specialist with the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and is an Associate Professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. She received her BSN and MSN from Radford University and earned her PhD at Virginia Tech.

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 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

About The American Academy of Nursing

The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) serves the public and nursing profession by advancing health policy through organizational excellence and effective nursing leadership. The Academy consists of approximately 2,900 Fellows, or members, in the roles of association executives, university presidents, chancellors and deans, elected officials, state and federal political appointees, hospital chief executives and vice presidents for nursing, nurse consultants, and researchers and entrepreneurs. Academy Fellows contribute time and effort to engaging with Fellow members of NACNS as well as health leaders outside the Academy to transform America’s health system. For more information on AAN, click here.


NACNS President Jan Powers To Present During National APP Week

National APP Week is dedicated to honoring Advanced Practice Providers

RESTON, VA – October 7, 2021 – NACNS President Jan Powers will participate in a discussion panel featuring five National Advanced Practice Providers (APP) Professional Organization presidents during the Inaugural National APP Week Virtual Kickoff Ceremony on October 11-15, 2021.

The inaugural event will bring together APP leaders from across the country, representing 75+ organizations and over 40,000 APPs. The goal of APP week is to recognize APPs as a unified group of Certified Registered Anesthetists (CRNAs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Nurse Midwives (CNMs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and Physician Assistants/Associates (PAs). The theme of this year’s National APP Week is “APPs United.” This theme is to highlight that during the pandemic, APPs were critical to many organizations while there were staff shortages.

“I am honored to have been chosen as a speaker for the inaugural APP Week Ceremony,” said Powers. “The ability for APPs and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)of  all backgrounds and organizations to come together and collaborate on practices and leadership will provide for increased engagement cross-functionally and a more unified approach to problem-solving.”

Speakers at National APP Week Virtual Kickoff Ceremony Panel Discussion:

  • Catherine Collins Fulea – DNP, CNM, FACNM, American College of Nurse Midwives
  • April Kapu – DNP, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FCCM, FAAN, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
  • Jennifer Orozco – PA-C, DFAAPA, American Academy of Physician Assistants
  • Jan Powers – PHD, RN, CCNS, CCRN, NE-BC, FCCM, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Dina Velocci – DNP, CRNA, APRN, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology

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 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

About National APP Week

National Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week honors the contribution of our various APPs including Physician Associate (Assistants), Nurse Practitioners, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Certified Nurse-Midwives. This important group of providers elevate the fields of medicine and nursing to ensure our most vulnerable populations receive high-quality, evidence-based care. This week celebrates the hard work of these professionals and to raise awareness of their unique roles in healthcare. For more information about National APP Week, click here.


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.


Texas Nurse Named Clinical Nurse Specialist Of The Year

Brittany Rhoades Honored By National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

RESTON, VA – April 13, 2021 –The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) announced today that Brittany Rhoades, Ph.D., APRN, CCNS at CHI St. Luke’s Health Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, Houston, TX was named the 2021 Clinical Nurse Specialist of the Year. Rhoades was recognized for her professional achievements and contributions to advancing the clinical nurse specialists (CNS) profession in the United States.

NACNS is the national organization for the 89,000 CNSs in the United States and is dedicated to advancing the practice and education of CNSs. Rhoades was nominated and selected to receive CNS of the Year honors by her advanced practice registered nursing peers.

More NACNS Award Program information can be found:

Rhoades has over 15 years of nursing experience and is currently a clinical nurse specialist providing direct care to heart transplant and left ventricular assist device patients in the Cardiothoracic Transplant Program at Baylor St Luke’s Medical Center. She started her career as a registered nurse at the University of Alabama at Birmingham before enrolling in the clinical nurse specialist program to become an advanced practice registered nurse.

Rhoades is actively involved in the profession having served on the board of the International Transplant Nurses Society and currently serving on the International Consortium of Circulatory Assist Clinicians. She has also served the community by providing hands-on left ventricular assist device education to the Houston Fire Department captains and supervisors.

Rhoades has a Ph.D. in Nursing from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and a Master of Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist. She has Bachelor of Science degrees from Union University (Nursing) and Ouachita Baptist University (Biology).

About The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) is the only association representing the clinical nurse specialist (CNS). CNSs are advanced practice registered nurses who work in various specialties to ensure high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centered care. As leaders in health care settings, CNSs provide direct patient care and lead initiatives to improve care and clinical outcomes as well as reduce costs. NACNS is dedicated to advancing CNS practice and education, removing certification and regulatory barriers, and assuring the public access to quality CNS services. For more information or to join NACNS, click here


National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists 2021 Award Winners Announced

National Awards Recognize Clinical Nurse Specialists for Outstanding Professional Achievement and Contributions to the Profession

RESTON, VA – May 10, 2021 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) unveiled its 2021 award winners at its Annual Conference recently.  The nine award winners were honored for their professional achievement and contributions to advancing the clinical nurse specialists (CNS) profession in the United States.  NACNS is the national organization for the 89,000 CNSs in the United States and is dedicated to advancing the practice and education of CNSs.  Award winners were nominated and selected to receive the honors by their advanced practice registered nursing peers.  More NACNS Award Program information can be found: https://nacns.org/about-us/awards/

“The professional success of these seven honorees embodies the spirit of the 2021 NACNS theme – ‘RISE’. ‘RISE’ signifies the ongoing growth and advancement of the CNS profession and its influence,” said Jan Powers, PhD, RN, CCNS, CCRN, NE-BC, FCCM, president, NACNS. “They were recognized for significant achievements and contributions in research, improving practice and educational opportunities as well as for raising the profile of the CNS in the profession.”

2021 NACNS National Award Winners

  • Affiliate of the Year: Central Indiana Organization of Clinical Nurse Specialists, IN
  • CNS of the Year: Brittany Rhoades, PhD, APRN, CCNS, CCTN, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, Houston, TX
  • CNS Evidence-Based Practice/Quality Improvement: Geline Buenconsejo, RN MSN CNS PCCN, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, San Diego, CA
  • Mentor of the Year: Kimberly Pate, DNP, RN, ACCNS-AG, PCCN-K, Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC
  • Preceptor of the Year: Amy Patterson, MSN, APRN, AOCNS, BMTCN, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
  • Researcher of the Year: Susan Storey, PhD, RN, AOCNS, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
  • Pamela Jane Nye Scholarship: F. Kay Butler, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CCRN, ACM-RM, RN the Know, LLC, Newport News, VA
  • Susan B. Davidson Service Award: Anne Hysong, MSN, APRN, CCNS, FCNS, Northside Hospital Duluth, Duluth, GA
  • Brenda Lyon Leadership Award: Vincent W. Holly, MSN, RN, CCRN, CCNS, Indiana University Health Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 

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 a variety of health care specialties to ensure 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.