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Clinical nurse specialist orientation: ready, set, go!
Linda D Urden1, Kathleen M Stacy
1Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, University of San Diego, San Diego, California, USA. urden@sandiego.edu
Background:
Both novice and experienced clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) need a consistent orientation to ensure that all in the role have the same knowledge base from an agreed upon set of role expectations.
Purpose:
The purpose of this article was to describe an orientation process using the 3 spheres of CNS practice as the framework for a CNS competency validation tool that can be used in all practice specialties and settings. Additionally, the roles of CNS preceptor and CNS mentor are delineated.
Conclusions:
The orientation tool based on the spheres of influence provides a thorough and consistent orientation for CNSs and may also be used as an educational tool for leadership and other staff regarding the CNS role.
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