Evolution of a cardiac transplantation program: role of the clinical nurse specialist

The evolution of our cardiac transplantation program necessitated learning new information and adding new personnel to keep pace with the needs of our patient population. As the program developed, the role of the clinical nurse specialist also changed. The clinical component remains important, but is now shared with additional nursing personnel. Therefore, the CNS is able to devote more time to new program development, which includes devising policies and procedures, nurse orientation, and research. The CNS assigns a high priority to these duties, which are vital in planning for excellence in patient care and contributing to the growing scientific knowledge about heart transplantation.