Promoting the community health clinical nurse specialist

The role of the community health nurse clinical specialist (CHNCS) has been clearly delineated by the profession as having a responsibility to the community as client. The need for this specialist has escalated as communities try to address health problems that are preventable and overwhelming their resources. Yet, a survey conducted in New Jersey and counsel from the Rutgers College of Nursing Community Health Nursing Advisory Committee suggest that nurses and agencies may not be aware of the role of the CHNCS and how to use this advanced practitioner most effectively. This article discusses the role of the CHNCS as described by the American Nurses' Association, the need for the CHNCS, a survey of the perceived need for Master's-prepared community health nurses, the role of a CHNCS in a New Jersey community health nursing agency (MCOSS, Inc.), and recommendations for promoting the role of the CHNCS.