The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Program prepares nurses as expert providers of care to patients/families in acute and ambulatory care settings. In addition, the CNS functions as:

• a developer and manager of programs of care for populations of patients
• leader, consultant, mentor and change agent in advancing nursing practice
• clinical outcomes manager who produces quality, cost-effective outcomes
• leader of multidisciplinary groups in implementing innovative projects;
• developer of research utilization projects that test innovative practices

The program includes choice of a clinical emphasis in cardiopulmonary, critical care, oncology, trauma & emergency preparedness or a directed (self-designed) emphasis. The directed emphasis allows the student to design a clinical emphasis in a particular area of interest, e.g., internal medicine, surgery, orthopedics. Full-time or part-time study are available.

The CNS Program is designed to provide a strong foundation in core competencies through courses included in the advanced practice nursing core. In supporting courses, students are introduced to key issues in healthcare delivery and selected finance and accounting topics of relevance to the health care professional. For their clinical emphasis, students select an area of clinical concentration and enhance their knowledge in this area. In the role implementation course, students are introduced to a framework for CNS practice. There are also two clinical practicums. In these, students design, implement and evaluate four projects with guidance of faculty and a preceptor. The clinical practicums are designed to provide "hands-on" experience in competencies expected in the CNS role.

CNS graduates are eligible for national certification as Clinical Nurse Specialists by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (if critical care emphasis is selected), or the Oncology Nursing Society (if oncology emphasis is selected).

Applicants should have 2 years of clinical experience before beginning clinical courses. A RN Options program is also available which includes a RN- MSN option.

For further information contact the CNS Program at (412) 624-4586 or 1-888-747-0794.

Registered nurses who do not have a BSN may enroll in this program through the RN to MSN option. For further information, contact:

To receive an application packet, please call Student Services:
Phone:
(412) 624-4586 or 1-888-747-0794
E-Mail: sao50@pitt.edu