Help wanted. A quality needs assessment creates a position for a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist

1. A survey needs assessment demonstrated that nurses in hospital practice need and want a PCNS for support with conflict resolution, difficult personnel and families, stress reduction, education, death and dying, and support groups. 2. Nurses (69%) who were considering leaving their positions wanted a PCNS to talk with them about their decisions. They felt a PCNS could provide insights they had overlooked. Nurses felt that they needed a PCNS on site or on call to be there for them to improve their practice. 3. Creating a position for a PCNS to be a consultant and liaison for nurses is a cost effective way to increase retention of excellent nurses, improve quality of care, job satisfaction, increased productivity, and reduced costs.