Category: Press Releases and Advisories

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.

Data Shows Robust Growth With Pivot Toward New Practice Areas

RESTON, VA – May 6, 2021 – There is a trend showing a pivoting of clinical nurse specialists toward a further expansion of practice areas according to the results of The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) 2020 Census of the CNS profession released today.

An infographic based on the census data called “The Role of the CNS: Findings from the 2020 Census” shows a resurgence of the profession with CNSs working in a wide variety of practices including adult health/gerontology acute care or ambulatory care settings as well as growing practices in family, mental and women’s health. The NACNS 2020 census was sponsored by AACN Certification Corporation and Cardinal Health.

NACNS is the national organization for the 89,000 Clinical Nurse Specialists in the United States (CNS) and dedicated to advancing the practice and education of CNSs. An infographic of 2020 census results is available here.

“The data demonstrates that CNSs’ roles and responsibilities are broadening and becoming more robust,” said Lola Coke, PhD, ACNS-BC, FAHA, FPCNA, FNAP, FAAN, Census 2020 project lead and associate professor and clinical nurse specialist, acting dean, Kirkhof College of Nursing, Grand Valley State University.  “The trend is a pivoting to an expanding CNS practice beyond adult health/gerontology and pediatrics to areas such as family health, psychiatric /mental health, women’s health /gender specific and neonatal. CNSs’ responsibilities continue to range from providing direct care, managing care, leading research to nurse/patient/family education in the hospital or health system setting.”

NACNS surveys CNSs every other year collecting demographic and professional data.  Almost 3,000 CNSs responded to the 2020 survey.  CNSs are advanced practice registered nurses who have graduate preparation (Master’s or Doctorate) in nursing. Like other advanced practice registered nurses, they are trained in physiology, pharmacology and physical assessment in addition to their particular specialty areas.

What’s The Typical CNS?

According to the 2020 census, one of the 89,000 CNSs that work in the United States typically could, on average, have the following attributes:

• Works in adult health/gerontology or pediatrics
• Involved in direct patient care, education and/or research
• Works fulltime in hospitals and/or health system-wide
• $100,000 year salary
• Master’s of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree
• Over 80% white and female

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 a variety of 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

Will Help Lead “Resurgence Of The CNS” For 89,000 Clinical Nurse Specialists

RESTON, VA – February 2, 2021 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) announced the election of its President-Elect, Secretary/Treasurer and three members of the Board of Directors today.  The NACNS’s mission is to advance and support the unique expertise and value the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) contributes to health care in the United States.

These new leaders of the national nursing association will officially assume their duties representing the 89,000 clinical nurse specialists in United States at the NACNS annual conference scheduled for March 9-11, 2021.  The conference theme is “The Resurgence of the CNS” recognizing the increasing number of nurses becoming CNSs helping the CNS role to become one of the fastest growing of the four Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) designations.

“We are in the middle of a resurgence of the CNS role in health care as we near the milestone 100,000 mark for the number of CNSs in the United States. Outstanding leadership is needed to manage an organization like NACNS and continue its growth,” said Sean M. Reed, PhD, APN, ACNS-BC, ACHPN, NACNS President.  “After a competitive membership-wide election, I’m confident we’ve elected the right people to NACNS leadership roles and I’m looking forward to working with them.”

About NACNS’ New Leaders

Newly elected leadership include:

• President-elect

Phyllis Whitehead, PhD, APRN, ACHPN, RN-BC, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Palliative Medicine/Pain Management, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital; Associate Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia

• Secretary/Treasurer

Linda Thurby-Hay, DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC, ADM, CDE Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Bon Secours Mercy Health System, Richmond, Virginia

• Members of the Board of Directors

Jennifer Manning, DNS, ACNS-BC, CNE Nurse Researcher at East Jefferson General Hospital, Louisiana, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Nursing Programs at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana

Traci Smith, DNP, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN Clinical Nurse Specialist for Critical Care and Cardiac Services, Wellstar Health System, Georgia

Jeri Tidwell, Ph.D., RN, PNP-BC, PCNS-BC, FNCSI Clinical Nurse Specialist at Children’s Medical Center, Texas

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.

12 Candidates Step Forward for Nine Positions; Deadline to Vote Is November 30, 2020

RESTON, VA – November 4, 2020 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) announced its slate of 12 candidates for nine positions from President-Elect and Secretary/Treasurer to Board of Directors and Nominating Committee Member.  All NACNS full, retired, and legacy members are encouraged to vote and demonstrate their support for their fellow CNSs that are seeking leadership roles in NACNS.  The deadline for voting is November 30, 2020.  For more information on each candidate click here.

How to Vote – It’s Easy

Voting is easy and it’s all online. Please check your email for your unique ballot code and link to cast your vote. Click on the link and the ballot will open and you will be able to vote.  The ballot also allows you to view all of the candidate’s questionnaires, resumes and cover letters.

The deadline to vote is November 30, 2020. Please vote now and let your voice be heard.

2021 NACNS Candidates

More information including the candidates background and goals for NACNS can be found here.

President-Elect Candidates

• Susan Fowler, PhD, CNRN, FAHA (FL)
• Phyllis Whitehead, PhD, APRN/CNS, ACHPN, RN-BC, FNAP (VA)

Secretary/Treasurer Candidate

• Linda Thurby-Hay, DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC, ADM, CDE (VA)

Board Director Candidates

• Sarah Andrews, ANCS-BC, ANVP-BC, MSN, RN, SCRN, PCCN-K, CMSRN (TX)
• Jennifer Manning, DNS, ACNS-BC, CNE (LA)
• Cherrie Pullium, DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC (TX)
• Traci Smith, DNP, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN (GA)
• Jeri Tidwell, PhD, RN, PNP-BC, PCNS-BC, FNCSI (TX)

Nominating Committee Candidates

• Jaclyn Andronico, MSN, RN, CNS, OCN, AOCNS (NY)
• Dawn Becker, DNP, RN, CEN, ACNS-BC (PA)
• Shannon Brunt, DNP, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN (MI)
• Jose Chavez, DNP, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, AACC (CA)

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 (USA) and Clinical Nurse Specialist Association of Canada Sign Memorandum of Understanding

RESTON, VA – September 10, 2020 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Clinical Nurse Specialist Association of Canada (CNS-C). The MOU unites North America’s two Clinical Nurse Specialists (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 highly educated and unique among the four Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) roles as they are the only APRNs qualified to integrate care across the three spheres of impact in health care: patient care, nurses and nursing, and organizations and systems.

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

“Both organizations have similar opportunities and legislative objectives such as advocating for CNSs to operate as licensed independent providers,” said Sean M. Reed, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, ACHPN, president, NACNS. “There is strength in numbers and working together we will both be stronger organizations with a powerful voice. This MOU signals the start of a collaboration between the associations allowing us to combine efforts and present a united North American strategy with the goal of increasing the visibility and value of the CNS while promoting growth and attracting membership engagement for all CNSs.”

“We have implemented our strategic alliance through a memo of understanding so that we may strengthen the networks and advocacy of the associations, and achieve greater impact than either organization could achieve on its own” said Mary-Lou Martin, RN, CNS-APN, MScN, MEd, president, CNS-C. “We shared information about our organizations and explored the potential for partnerships, and we found that we have a lot of common ground regarding strengths, challenges and future plans that can be enhanced by promoting collaboration and jointly orchestrated strategies. To develop and promote working relations between our two national associations will build awareness of the CNS role and encourage creative innovation in the CNS’ spheres of practice and health systems approach: direct complex care; consultation; education; research; policy and leadership. 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 specialists (CNS) in the USA. 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.

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.

# # #

NACNS:   https://nacns.org

CNS-C / ICS-C:  http://cns-c-canada.ca

This Year’s Theme is the “Resurgence Of The CNS”

RESTON, VA – September 1, 2020 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) announced its 11^th Annual Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Week celebration and released a schedule of its activities today.  This year’s CNS Week is scheduled for September 1-7, 2020 and the theme is the “Resurgence of the CNS”.  A schedule of events and a “Celebration Tool Kit” can be found here.

“CNS Week recognizes and celebrates the unique expertise and value that the clinical nurse specialist contributes to health care organizations and patients,” said Sean M. Reed, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, ACHPN, president, NACNS. “This CNS Week theme, ‘Resurgence of the CNS’, is particularly poignant and appropriate this year as CNSs are playing a leading role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in organizations across the country.”

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 of advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) that are the only APRNs qualified to integrate care across the three spheres of influence in health care:  patient, nurse, and system.  NACNS is the only national organization representing thousands of CNSs and 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 Highlights

• Watch the “Resurgence Of The CNS” Webinar with NACNS President Reed.
• Get the Celebration Tool Kit with all kinds of cool social media paraphernalia 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.
• Order Your NACNS Face Mask 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 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 Board Represents Thousands In U.S.

RESTON, VA – April 1, 2020 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) announced the appointment of three new members to the NACNS Board of Directors at its 25^th Annual Conference on March 12, 2020. NACNS represents thousands of clinical nurse specialists (CNS) across the country who provide direct patient care and lead groundbreaking initiatives to improve the quality of health care and clinical outcomes while reducing health care costs. 

“We are fortunate to add three highly qualified CNSs to the NACNS Board of Directors.  Each new director brings a unique and fresh perspective and a wealth of experience that will benefit all NACNS members and the profession,” said Sean M. Reed, PhD, APN, ACNS-BC, ACHPN, NACNS President. “I am excited to work with the NACNS Board of Directors to promote and enrich the CNS profession by demonstrating the resurgence of the most versatile advanced practice registered nurse, the CNS.”

About NACNS Board of Directors

Newly elected board members include:

Erica A. Fischer-Cartlidge, DNP, CNS, CBCN, AOCNS is the nurse leader for Evidence-based Practice and coordinator for a team of 45 CNSs at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

Mary Beth Modic, DNP, APRN-CNS, CDES is a leader in diabetes care at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.  She is the co-creator and meta-facilitator of MAGNUS, a clinical empowerment program for bedside nurses.

Mitzi M. Saunders, PhD, APRN, CNS-C is the CNS coordinator and lead faculty at the University of Detroit Mercy AG-CNS program with specialty areas including geriatrics, holistic care, spiritual care and family caregiving for patients with heart failure and dementia.

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.

Last week, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee advanced S.1399- Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019 by a unanimous voice vote! This is truly a momentous occasion and one that NACNS has been focused on for a long time.  There is more work to do, but we are up for the challenge and united with other nursing organizations  to get this bill to the President’s desk. But for today, and in this moment, we celebrate!

More information from NACNS:

Communique Discussing Title VIII

Advocacy on Policies Affecting CNS’

At its 2019 annual conference, the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) announced that Sean M. Reed, PhD, APN, ACNS-BC, ACHPN, won the position of President-Elect of the esteemed organization. Reed, who will assume the presidency in March of 2020, is Palliative Care & Aging Research Fellow at the School of Medicine and Assistant Professor, Adjunct at the College of Nursing, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus. NACNS represents thousands of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) across the country who provide direct patient care and lead groundbreaking initiatives to improve the quality of health care and clinical outcomes, and reduce health care costs.

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At its annual conference in Florida last month, the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) presented its prestigious Brenda Lyon Leadership Award to Lisa Hopp, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean and professor of nursing at Purdue University Northwest. This Award recognizes extraordinary leadership in service to NACNS. It is named for Brenda Lyon, a founding member and the second president of NACNS.

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