Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Nurse Specialist
To fill the role of a clinical nurse specialist, you must have a significant formal education. Below are just a few examples of what it takes on order to become a clinical nurse specialist.
Educational Requirements
For the clinical nurse specialist role, the candidate must have a master’s degree or doctoral degree in nursing. They must also be a licensed, registered nurse and have their clinical nurse specialist licensure or certification. A clinical nurse specialist provides consultation services and patient care while working as an advanced-practice nurse. This can take place in a host of health care departments. The nurse may conduct research and work with staff on specific patient populations in a medical setting. As licensed, registered nurses, they are RNs with a master’s degree or doctoral degree and may have specialized certification in their particular field of interest. The average salary for clinical nurse specialists is $82,000 based on payscale.com findings.
Job Description and Duties
Clinical nurse specialists will work in various health care settings including clinics, hospitals, medical offices and other types of health care facilities. They are considered experts in their specific fields and may work in areas such as cardiology, gerontology, or public policy. They provide direct patient care and consultation services and may assist with research, education, and facility administration services.
With a host or responsibilities, the clinical nurse specialist treats patients and performs all types of exams including wellness assessments, gynecological exams, mental health exams or other related tests depending on the department or specialty of medicine they work in. They provide consultation services for the patient and their family to ensure they understand the medical condition and treatment options available. They may also serve as supervisors over other nurses and staff members and may be involved in management and administration.
Licensure Requirements
To work as a clinical nurse specialist, each state requires registered nurses to graduate from an approved RN nursing program. They must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, or NCLEX. Depending on the state, there may be additional requirements for clinical nursing specialists to have a set number of working hours to obtain their credentials and for continuing education purposes.
HealthCare Support
If the job description above sounds like a good fit for you, don’t wait any longer. Contact our team of professionals at HealthCare Support. We can help you find a job perfect for your particular talents in the ever-changing field of health care. For questions, or to check out the job opportunities we offer, call us today at 407-478-0332.