Associate Clinical Nurse Specialist roles are developmental posts supported in their clinical workload by a Clinical Nurse Specialist or medical colleague. They are involved in direct patient care, using evidence-based nursing interventions and national guidelines to enhance patient outcomes. In their role, Associate Clinical Nurse Specialists also influence nursing practice by providing leadership, mentoring and education to nursing staff. Care delivery is typically through a protocol-driven pathway to support decision-making processes.
Qualifications
Degree in Nursing
Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
A Clinical Nurse Specialist is an independent practitioner who manages their own clinical workload, making decisions regarding care and treatment. A CNS is responsible for diagnosing, prescribing and treating patients and specialty populations across the continuum of care. They provide direct patient care, lead evidence-based practice, optimise organisational systems and advance nursing practice. Clinical Nurse Specialists are leaders in healthcare, influencing nursing practice by providing leadership, mentoring and education to nursing staff. In their role, Clinical Nurse Specialists design, implement and evaluate population-based as well as patient-specific programmes of care. They work alongside other healthcare professionals to optimise patient care, supervise nurses and other healthcare staff and act as subject matter experts. They also diagnose patient health problems and provide ongoing management of patients.
Qualifications
Degree in Nursing
Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
A Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist is an expert in their field, supporting the multidisciplinary team with complex decision-making and a degree of autonomy. A Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist is responsible for diagnosing, prescribing and treating patients and specialty populations across the continuum of care. They provide direct patient care, lead evidence-based practice, optimise organisational systems and advance nursing practice. Lead Clinical Nurse Specialists are leaders in healthcare, influencing nursing practice by providing leadership, mentoring and education to nursing staff. They have a strong focus on leading a service and supporting service needs to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes.
Qualifications
Degree in Nursing
Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
