Organizational analysis: tool for the clinical nurse specialist

It has been asserted that nurse leaders must have the knowledge base and skills necessary to intervene effectively in complex organizational systems. In order to facilitate the acquisition of this knowledge and skill, one graduate nursing program preparing clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) uses an organizational analysis that students complete during their clinical experience. This article presents a description of the process and the benefits derived from doing the analysis both for graduate nursing students and practicing CNSs.