Increasing practice-based research: doctorally prepared clinical nurse specialists may be the answer

The CNS role is proposed as an expert practitioner, educator, consultant, and research within a specialty area. The role, as originally envisioned, was to bridge the gap between practice and research. The research component of the role is frequently given the least emphasis in actual practice. This is problematic for a practice discipline building its scientific base. Many have proposed collaborative practice models to remedy this situation. This paper proposes that a CNS, prepared at the doctoral level, may be the more appropriate solution. Because CNSs maintain a strong practice base, they directly observe problems in the practice setting. With the appropriate research preparation, doctorally prepared CNSs can be in a position to solve clinical problems and advance the science of nursing.