Category: Press Releases and Advisories

Updated foundational document reinforces the role of Clinical Nurse Specialists as APRNs, clinical experts, systems leaders, and innovators in healthcare

WAKEFIELD, MA, [September 1, 2026] – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) is proud to announce the release of the Fourth Edition of the Statement on Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice and Education, a comprehensive update to the profession’s foundational document defining Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) practice, education, competencies, outcomes, and program standards. The new edition builds upon previous versions published in 1998, 2004, and 2019 and reflects the evolving healthcare environment and expanding contributions of CNSs across patient care, nursing practice, and healthcare systems.

As the only professional association dedicated exclusively to Clinical Nurse Specialists, NACNS developed the Statement to provide a contemporary framework for CNS practice and graduate education while continuing to articulate the unique value and impact of the CNS role. The Fourth Edition incorporates emerging priorities in healthcare, including implementation science, digital health and technology, health equity, emergency preparedness, quality improvement, and systems leadership. It also reaffirms the CNS’s role as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with expertise spanning direct patient care, nursing practice advancement, and organizational transformation.

“The Fourth Edition of the Statement on Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice and Education reflects the strength, expertise, and continued evolution of the Clinical Nurse Specialist role,” said Jackie Iseler, DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE, FCNS, President of NACNS. “As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, CNSs remain essential leaders in improving quality, advancing evidence-based practice, strengthening nursing practice, and driving system-wide change. This updated Statement provides a forward-looking framework that supports CNSs in meeting the challenges of today’s healthcare environment while honoring the profession’s longstanding commitment to improving patient outcomes. On behalf of NACNS, I extend my deepest gratitude to Task Force Co-Chairs Kimberly Elgin and Alyson Keen, whose leadership and dedication were instrumental in guiding this extensive revision, as well as to every member of the Task Force who contributed their expertise to this important work.”

The Fourth Edition was developed through a rigorous review and revision process led by the NACNS Statement on Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice and Education Task Force, under the leadership of Kimberly W. Elgin, DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC, PCCN, CMSRN, FCNS, FAAN and Alyson Keen, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, FCNS, who served as Task Force Co-Chairs. Drawing upon expertise from CNS practice, education, research, and leadership, the Task Force evaluated current healthcare trends, professional standards, educational expectations, and evidence supporting CNS practice to ensure the Statement remains relevant and responsive to the needs of healthcare organizations, educators, and practicing CNSs.

In addition to the work of the Task Force, the revision received extensive input and review from the NACNS Past Presidents Council, the NACNS Program Directors Council, and other key stakeholders, ensuring broad representation from across the CNS community.

The Fourth Edition reaffirms NACNS’s commitment to advancing the visibility, value, and influence of Clinical Nurse Specialists and supporting educational programs that prepare CNSs to practice to the full extent of their education and expertise. The Statement will serve as an essential resource for CNSs, academic institutions, healthcare organizations, policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders seeking guidance on contemporary CNS practice and education.

NACNS is proud to have the formal endorsement of these partner organizations in support of the 2026 statement:

• Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
• Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses
• Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association 

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.

Resolution led by Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) calls for Clinical Nurse Specialists to be accurately counted, classified, and supported in federal health workforce planning

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA) today introduced a House resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Clinical Nurse Specialist Week, observed the first week of September. The resolution recognizes the contributions of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) to patient outcomes and health system quality, and reaffirms the House’s support for policies ensuring the CNS workforce is accurately counted, classified, and supported in federal health workforce planning. The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS), the only association representing the nation’s CNSs, welcomed the resolution’s introduction and thanked its original cosponsors for signing on ahead of introduction.

CNSs are advanced practice registered nurses who pair expert clinical care for patients with complex health conditions with systems-level leadership, mentoring health care teams, implementing evidence-based practices, and leading quality and patient safety initiatives. Despite this role, CNSs remain the only advanced practice registered nurse category without a standalone federal workforce projection. HRSA’s National Center for Health Workforce Analysis folds CNSs into the broader Registered Nurse category because the Bureau of Labor Statistics has not listed CNS as a distinct advanced practice nursing occupation, even though Medicare and Medicaid both recognize CNS as a distinct profession. HRSA projects continued RN shortages nationally through at least 2038, underscoring sustained demand for advanced nursing professionals, but without a CNS-specific data point, policymakers are left planning the nation’s nursing workforce around an incomplete picture. The most recent estimate, a 2022 analysis of National Provider Identifier registrations, identified 12,569 CNSs holding an NPI — a figure NACNS says likely understates the full scope of a workforce that federal labor statistics do not track separately.

The resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Clinical Nurse Specialist Week; recognizes CNS contributions to patient outcomes, nursing practice, and health system strength nationwide; encourages Americans to observe the week with appropriate programs and activities; and reaffirms support for policies ensuring the CNS workforce is accurately counted, appropriately classified, and adequately supported in federal health workforce planning.

NACNS President Jackeline Iseler, DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE, FCNS, issued the following statement:

“Clinical Nurse Specialists are on the front lines of improving patient outcomes and strengthening health systems in every state, yet our workforce remains invisible in the federal data that shapes nursing policy. We thank Representative Kiggans and this resolution’s original cosponsors for recognizing CNS Week and for standing behind the simple principle that you cannot plan for a workforce you refuse to count. This resolution moves us closer to the day when CNSs are counted, classified, and supported the way our patients and health systems deserve.”

NACNS encourages Congress to build on this resolution by advancing policies that close the federal data gap facing the CNS workforce, and looks forward to working with Representative Kiggans and her colleagues throughout National Clinical Nurse Specialist Week and beyond.

About NACNS

The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS), founded in 1995, is the only association representing the nation’s Clinical Nurse Specialists. NACNS enhances and promotes the unique, high-value contributions CNSs make to the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities, and advocates for policies that ensure the CNS workforce is recognized, counted, and supported across the U.S. health care system. Learn more at www.nacns.org.

Media Contact:

NACNS Communications
Alec Stone at alec@nacns.org

US CNS Association Honors Remarkable Professional Excellence

WAKEFIELD, Mass. – Mar. 20, 2024 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) has unveiled its 2024 award recipients, as well as the individual chosen as the president-elect: Rick Bassett, MSN, RN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, FCNS.

NACNS stands as the sole non-profit organization in the United States that advocates for the 89,000 clinical nurse specialists (CNS) across the nation. It is committed to the promotion and enhancement of the practice and educational standards related to the profession. CNSs constitute one of the four distinct categories within the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) domain.

NACNS recognized outstanding achievements and contributions in the CNS field by presenting awards to its members and affiliated individuals. These individuals were chosen based on nominations and selections made by peers. 

“I am delighted to recognize these eleven dedicated CNSs who consistently go the extra mile and make significant contributions to the profession,” said Jennifer Manning, DNS, ACNS-BC, CNE, and NACNS president. “NACNS, and the CNS role, could not be where it is today without their invaluable support.” 

The 2024 NACNS National Award Winners are:

1. CNS Preceptor of the Year: Latasia Belin, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC, ONC, FCNS
2. Academic Faculty Award: David F. Bradley, Jr., DNP, RN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CNOR, FCNS
3. Susan B. Davidson Service Award: Jan Powers, Ph.D., RN, CCRN, CCNS, NE-BC, FCCM, FAAN
4. CNS Mentor of the Year: Mary Lawanson-Nichols, MSN, RN, CNS, NP, CCRN
5. CNS of the Year: Pamela Moss, MSN, MPH, APRN-CNS, ACCNS-AG, CCRN-CSC
6. CNS Researcher of the Year: Sandra L. Siedlecki, Ph.D., APRN-CNS, FAAN
7. Armed Forces CNS of the Year: Tracy Ostrom, RN, DNP, APRN-BC
8. Rising Star of the Year: Megan Zondor, MSN, RN, AGCNS
9. NACNS Affiliate of the Year: Wisconsin Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
10. CNS EBP/QI Award: Jodie Pufundt, DNP, APRN-CNS, RNC-NIC, EBP-C
11. Brenda Lyon Leadership Award: Michelle Defabio, DNP, MS, RN, ACNS-BC, NEA-BC, NPD-BC

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). A CNS is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) prepared by a master’s, or doctoral, or post-graduate certificate level CNS program. CNSs diagnose, prescribe, and treat patients and specialty populations across the continuum of care. The CNS improves outcomes by providing direct patient care, leading evidence-based practice, optimizing organizational systems, and advancing nursing practice. 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.

Media Contact
Melissa Bednar
NACNS Public Relations
Tel: +1 781.876.8962
Email: mbednar@virtualinc.com

NACNS Continues to Advocate for 89,000 Clinical Nurse Specialists in the U.S.

RESTON, VA – Oct. 25, 2023 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) today announced it welcomes three new members to its Board of Directors and introduces its President-Elect and Nominating Committee Members.

The NACNS serves as the representative body for clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) across the U.S. These highly skilled professionals are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with specialized graduate-level training in nursing. They possess the authority to diagnose, treat, prescribe, and improve outcomes by providing direct patient care, leading evidence-based practice, optimizing organizational systems, and advancing nursing practice.

Mitzi Saunders, Ph.D., APRN, ACNS-BC and President of NACNS, emphasized that NACNS Board Members play a vital leadership function within the organization, serving as the foremost champions for the 89,000 CNSs in the U.S.

“Our recently elected leadership’s dedication to leading the next generation of CNSs transcends the boundaries of NACNS and extends to their patients and the institution they serve, as CNSs possess a unique skill set enabling them to excel both at the bedside and in clinical or educational capacities. I’d like to thank them for their unwavering commitment to the CNS role,” she said.

The 2023 President-Elect, Jennifer Manning, DNS, ACNS-BC, CNE​, shared her excitement for the year to come.

“I am very excited and honored to step into the role of President for NACNS in 2024. This is a pivotal time for Clinical Nurse Specialists, and I am committed to advocating for the invaluable contributions they make to healthcare. Together with the dedicated members of NACNS, I look forward to advancing our profession, ensuring the highest quality of care for patients, and strengthening the impact of Clinical Nurse Specialists nationwide,” she said.

Newly elected leadership includes: 

2024 President-Elect

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

Board of Directors

• David F. Bradley, Jr., Lt Col, USAF, AGCNS-BC, CNOR, FCNS
• Kayla Little, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, PCCN
• Jeannette (Jeannie) Meyer, RN, MSN, CCRN-K, CCNS, PCCN-K, ACHPN

Nominating Committee Members

• Linda Cole, DNP, RN, APRN, CCNS, CPHQ, CNE, FCNS
• Jesse Michael Hartmann, DNP, APN, AGCNS-BC, CNAMB, CNOR, CSSM, RNFA, MAJ, Army, Nurse Corps
• Brittany D. Rhoades, Ph.D., APRN, CCNS, CCTN
• Allegra Del Rio, MS, BSN, AGCNS, MEDSURG-BC

About The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

The 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
Melissa Bednar
NACNS Public Relations
Tel: +1 781.876.8962
Email: mbednar@virtualinc.com

Data Shows Next Generation of CNSs Ready to Improve Healthcare for Everyone

RESTON, Va. – July 25, 2023 – New data shows that clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) want to further expand in order to use all of their training and education, according to results of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) 2022 Census of the CNS profession. The census was co-sponsored by the Clinical Nurse Specialist Institute. 

An infographic based on census data called “Leading the Next Generation: Insights from the 2022 NACNS Census” shows an opportunity for a strong new generation of CNSs with almost 30% intending to retire within the next five years. An infographic of the 2022 census is available. 

CNSs help to improve outcomes for patients and their families, improve skills and workplace experiences for nurses, and improve business efficiency for healthcare providers. Giving physical assessments, diagnosing and prescribing are all part of CNS education and training; however, some states and systems do not take advantage of CNSs’ full ability. 

“The data demonstrates the urge CNSs have to utilize their full potential in the workplace,” said Mitzi Saunders, Ph.D., APRN, ACNS-BC and NACNS president. “Our members confirmed that they want NACNS to support them so they receive role validation, title protection and state recognition. Right now, more than half of the surveyed CNSs feel like they don’t have hospital or healthcare system privileges that match their education and training. These are numbers we are hoping to change in the coming years.” 

NACNS surveys CNSs every four years collecting both demographic and professional data. Over 1,600 CNSs responded to the 2022 survey, with almost 65% being a member of 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 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.

Media Contact
Jennifer Priest
NACNS Public Relations
jpriest@virtualinc.com

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

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. 

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.