CNSI Fellow Program Applications
In 2026, CNSI Fellow Program Applications will be accepted June 15, 2026 until September 30, 11:59 EST.
CNSI Fellow Program Application
Please carefully follow the instructions. Incomplete applications and applications that do not adhere to the instructions will not be reviewed.
CNSI Fellow Program Application Instructions
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be current members of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) for at least the last 2 years prior to application.
- Applicants must have five (5) or more years of experience working in a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) role after completing graduate education and training.
- Applicants must be credentialed (by their state of employment) as a CNS or educated as a CNS, plus have significant past or current contributions as a CNS.
Application Instructions
- Applications must be completed and submitted in English.
- Application materials will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated impact of CNS work beyond the employing organization.
- Evidence of leadership with national level impact that supports CNS role or related activities.
- Evidence of CNS activities that enhance the visibility of the CNS role.
- Implementation of data-driven and/or evidence-driven projects to improve patient care, safety, health outcomes, health system processes, or educational processes (e.g., Quality Improvement, Evidence Based Practice, Research).
- Engagement in activities to promote the full scope of CNS practice and role at the local, state, and/or national/international level.
- Dissemination of knowledge that demonstrates the value of the CNS role and CNS-related activities (e.g., practice, outcomes, research, legislation/regulatory, education, etc.).
CNSI Fellow applicants must demonstrate outstanding achievements in the criteria described above. Individual applicants do not have to be outstanding in all criteria, but they do need to move beyond the “ordinary” CNS work role in most of the criteria.
CNSI Fellow applicants must demonstrate impactful contribution to advance the CNS role.
Pay CNSI Fellow Program Application Fee
Resources
2026 Fellow Induction Ceremony Booklet
2025 Fellow Induction Ceremony Booklet
Download CNSI Fellows Directory
CNSI Fellow Program Annual Dues
CNSI dues will be paid with NACNS membership dues whether you are paying annually or for multiple years. Please contact cnsi@nacns.org with any questions about your dues status.
Contact info@nacns.org if you experience any issues making your payment.