Clinical Nurse Specialists - General Information

A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is a licensed registered nurse who has completed advanced medical training and earned a master’s degree or doctoral degree from an accredited educational institution. Medical services provided by a CNS include:

• Evaluating patients and determining their healthcare need;
  
  
• Assessing the patient’s risk factors for early indications of developing medical problems;
  
  
• Diagnosing the patient’s medical problem(s) and creating their plan of care;
  
  
• Ordering applicable tests;
  
  
• Providing selected treatment(s);
  
  
• Counseling and educating the patient;
  
  
• Providing consultative services; and
  
  
• Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals.