Clinical Nurse Specialist
Aspiring RNs with a solid bedside manner and an ability to connect with patients can excel as clinical nurse specialists (CNS).
A CNS acts as a liaison between physician and patient, assessing patients in all settings: acute care, long-term care, outpatient clinics, and home health.
This position is typically found in smaller communities without large numbers of nurses or doctors on staff.
While some hospitals do offer special compensation packages for CNSs, it’s not always guaranteed that one will be offered.
Your salary as a CNS may range from $55,000 to $75,000 per year.
Incoming applicants must have earned at least their bachelor’s degree before beginning work as a clinical nurse specialist.
Candidates should possess strong interpersonal skills and enjoy the opportunity to interact with people on a personal level.
A typical day for the clinical nurse specialist includes establishing treatment plans with physicians; managing nursing personnel; teaching new procedures; supervising the flow of medications, treatments, and services delivered by other team members; identifying needs in professional development; collaborating with physicians to develop protocols; preparing reports related to patient care outcomes and quality assurance activities.
