The clinical nurse specialist: perceptions of practising CNSs of their role and development needs

This study was carried out to determine the role and development needs of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) in two acute hospital trusts. One of the aims was to obtain a detailed understanding of the current professional experience of Clinical Nurse Specialists. Data were collected using focus groups and analysed descriptively. Analysis of the content was qualitative, based on a grounded theory approach, and followed the initial steps of open and axial coding. Role transition and development needs are identified on a continuum of novice to expert.