Purpose/Objectives:
The purpose of this project was to develop a single, Web-based resource designed to support CNSs pursuing Adult Health CNS certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Significance:
There are many useful resources available to assist the candidate when preparing for this exam; however, resources are not centralized and may be difficult to locate and organize. This Web site provides an online resource organized by the ANCC's Adult Health CNS test map blueprint potentially available to the learner at little to no cost.
Background/Rationale:
This streamlined Web site is intuitively organized by the domains of practice identified by the test content outline. Embedded links provide access to a variety of PowerPoint presentations, Internet hyperlinks, and word documents. This tool has unrestricted access and unlimited availability. It particularly addresses CNS role development, consistent with the test map.
Description:
The project began as a small group project focused on preparing for the certification examination. Internal consultation with peers and informatics experts revealed opportunities for learning webmaster skills and influencing local CNS systems by supporting certification examination success rates.
Outcome:
Informal product evaluation by practicing CNSs without certification suggests that the tool is useful and relevant. Additional evaluative feedback will be sought from CNS colleagues interested in preparing for the Adult Health CNS certification examination, including graduate students from the local region.
Interpretation/Conclusion:
This project serves as a template for developing Web-based teaching and learning resources with a practical focus, consistent with adult learning theory. The process used for this project provides opportunities to enhance external consultation and team-building collaboration skill sets.
Implications for CNS basic and Continuing Education:
Advanced practice nurses require centralized, convenient, and inexpensive resources designed to develop the knowledge base necessary for certification examination success. Web-based tools may meet this need while providing opportunities for learning skills that may be transferable to other aspects of CNS practice.
Section Description
The 2010 National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) Annual National Conference is planned for Portland, Oregon, on March 3 to 6. More than 375 clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), graduate faculty, nurse administrators, nurse researchers, and graduate students are expected to attend. This year's theme, "CNS as Internal Consultant: Influencing Local to Global Systems," demonstrates the breadth and depth of CNS practice and leadership at multiple levels in organizations and on healthcare.
A total of 142 abstracts were submitted for review, and 58 (not including student posters) were selected for either podium or poster presentations. Again, this year, there is a CNS student poster session; student abstracts will appear in a later issue of the journal. The abstracts addressed CNS practice in all 3 practice domains as described in the Spheres of Influence Framework for CNS Practice. Abstracts emphasized patient safety and quality care outcomes, leadership, CNS education, evidence-based practice, and new ways to shape CNS practice. Topics include CNS work activities incorporated into the 3 Spheres of Influence, the role of the CNS in developing clinical inquiry skills among staff nurses, use of simulation technology, strategies to maintain clinical excellence, the role of the CNS in National Database for Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) activities, and many new and thoughtful ideas to support CNS education, practice, and research. Collectively, the abstracts represent the breadth, depth, and richness of the CNS's contribution to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities, as well as contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession.
The conference abstracts are published to share new knowledge with those unable to attend the conference. As you read each abstract, appreciate the intellectual talent and clinical scholarship of your CNS colleagues who are advancing the practice of nursing and contributing to the health of society through improved outcomes for patients and healthcare organizations. We encourage you to contact individual presenters to network, collaborate, consult, or share your thoughts and ideas on the conference topics.
Watch for next year's call for abstracts and consider submitting for presentation at the next NACNS annual conference scheduled for March 9-12, 2011, in Baltimore, Maryland.