[Head nurse and nursing expert--it is possible to achieve successful cooperation]

The employment of clinical nurse specialists (CNS) raises many questions. Often the collaboration of head nurse and CNS is described as a critical point. The authors work together in these positions successfully on the medical department of a university hospital. It is shown how the CNS's new position was created, what her everyday tasks look like and how the cooperation is organised. This collaboration is then evaluated. From the example, general conclusions are drawn, which--in the view of the authors--would be helpful in organising a successful collaboration of head nurse and CNS.