CNS and expanded role in hospitals

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Advanced Practice
• Healthcare Administration

Background:

• The role of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is evolving within academic medical centers.
• There is a growing need to understand the scope and impact of the expanded CNS role, particularly in relation to medical residents (house staff).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the current status of the CNS functioning in an expanded role with house staff in teaching hospitals.
• To review existing literature and report findings from an informal survey on this CNS role.
• To discuss the implications for advanced practice nursing.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of CNS roles in teaching hospitals.
• Informal survey conducted by the author regarding CNS functions with house staff.
• Analysis of survey data and existing literature.

Main Results:

• The CNS role in teaching hospitals is demonstrably expanding.
• The article details how CNSs function in these expanded capacities.
• Survey results provide insights into the prevalence and nature of this expanded role.

Conclusions:

• The expanded CNS role with house staff is a significant development in advanced practice nursing within teaching hospitals.
• Further research and discussion are warranted regarding the implications and optimal implementation of this role.
• Understanding and supporting this advanced practice function is crucial for healthcare education and patient care.