NACNS History
In the late 1980's, the Indiana University School of Nursing Program sponsored a 3 day national conference titled Strategies for Cost Effective Patient Care through Clinical Nurse Specialists. The conference became a biannual event and continued the theme of CNS care from 1990-1996, attracting Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Educators and Nurse Administrators both nationally and internationally.
The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) was an outgrowth of the spirit and commitment of the regular attendees of this conference over a 6-year period. In the fall of 1995, the official launch meeting was held in Indianapolis during an off year for the educational conference. Forty percent of the regular attendees committed to participating in this meeting to establish the by-laws and appoint the first Board of Directors. In 18 months, the membership of this organization grew from the original 67 to 530. Today, NACNS has grown to 2500 members.
NACNS Mission
To enhance and promote the unique, high value contribution of the clinical nurse specialist to the health and well-being of individuals, families, groups, and communities, and to promote and advance the practice of nursing.
NACNS Goals
- Increase visibility and influence of CNSs
- Serve as the national authority for CNS practice and education.
- Promote CNS research in order to further define the benefit the CNS brings to quality, patient safety, and cost of healthcare delivery.
- Expand the influence of NACNS by enhancing professional leadership qualities among NACNS members.
Organizational Purposes (as removed from the NACNS Bylaws March 2012)
The purposes of the NACNS are complementary to the purposes of existing organizations in working to meet society's need for the full complement of nursing services.
The purposes of the NACNS shall be to:
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a.
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provide educational, networking, and mentoring opportunities for the continuing professional development of the clinical nurse specialist;
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b.
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promote the visibility of clinical nurse specialists' impact on cost, quality and access to nursing care to health care systems/organizations;
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c.
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provide education to communities and/or health care organizations and the public regarding the unique contributions of clinical nurse specialists to the well being of individuals and groups;
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d.
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provide a forum for the identification and discussion of issues and trends that affect and shape the evolution of clinical nurse specialist practice;
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e.
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promote the unification of clinical nurse specialists in their advanced practice roles regarding competencies, spheres of influence, standards of performance and educational preparation;
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f.
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provide for the development and dissemination of position statements and white papers regarding health care policy issues pertinent to quality, cost and access to nursing care, strategies to improve the appropriate use of health care resources and the need for and preparation of clinical nurse specialists.
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g.
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serve as a clearinghouse for information pertinent to clinical nurse specialists and clinical nurse specialist practice;
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h.
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collaborate with other groups addressing issues of common concern to advanced practice nurses;
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i.
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contribute to the body of knowledge regarding clinical nurse specialist practice and patient care;
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j.
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promote the development of programs relevant to the preparation of clinical nurse specialist students;
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k.
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provide opportunities for mentorship for clinical nurse specialist students and members interested in becoming active members of the professional organization;
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l.
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represent the interests of clinical nurse specialists in legislative and regulatory processes.
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m.
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represent the interests of clinical nurse specialists in licensing, accreditation, credentialing, and educational initiatives.
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