Purpose/Objectives:
The purpose of this research was to compare CNS and administrator perceptions of CNS practice in acute care settings. The specific objectives were to describe CNS responsibility within the organization and to compare CNS and administrator perspectives on the most important activities and outcomes of CNS practice.
Significance:
Relationships with key personnel, especially administrators who supervise and evaluate the CNS, are an important variable that can constrain or facilitate CNS practice within the organization. There has been limited information available comparing the perspectives of CNSs and administrators about CNS practice in acute care.
Design:
This was a descriptive study that utilized questionnaires to compare CNS and administrator perceptions of acute care CNS practice. The questionnaires were developed based on the literature and content review by experts.
Methods:
CNS participants (n = 30) and administrator participants (n = 7) were recruited from 4 healthcare organizations in the Midwestern United States. CNS participants completed a questionnaire that included information about their (a) education and experience, (b) current responsibilities, and (c) perceptions about the most important activities and outcomes of their practice. Administrator participants completed a questionnaire that included information about (a) the nursing organization, (b) CNSs employed, and (c) perceptions about the most important activities and outcomes of CNS practice.
Findings:
There was variability across organizations related to reporting relationships and the structure of CNS work. No significant differences were found when comparing CNS and administrator perceptions of the importance of 10 activities and 7 outcomes. There was agreement that the most important CNS activities included developing clinical protocols and guidelines, quality improvement, and coordination of care. There was agreement that the most important outcomes included evidence-based nursing care and skilled and competent nursing staff.
Conclusions:
A positive finding in this study was the agreement of CNSs and administrators about the most important CNS activities and outcomes.
Implications for Practice:
Agreement of CNSs and administrators on the most important CNS activities and outcomes provides a foundation to facilitate priority setting, outcome measurement, and analysis of the effect of CNS practice on clinical and fiscal outcomes.
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.