Who We Are
A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with clinical specialty expertise for a population. CNSs practice in three spheres of impact: direct patient care, nurse/nursing practice, and at the organization/systems level.
Activities in one sphere interact, impact, and enhance activities in the other spheres. The full impact of the role is demonstrated when a CNS functions in and across all three spheres. Therefore, the role fluctuates at any given time, depending on the needs of the healthcare system, patient care unit, patient/family, or community. While the spheres intersect and overlap, the direct care sphere is the all-encompassing, overarching focus of the CNS role.
A CNS has a Masters or Doctorate Degree in Nursing from a state-approved school of nursing accredited by either the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) with a major in the clinical nursing specialty to which the nurse is assigned. A CNS has a minimum of 5 years experience, is certified in a specialty area, and is accountable for a specific patient population within a specialized program of care.
Our Team
Gena Bergvall, DNP, RN,
AGACNP-BC, AGCNS-BC,
ACCNS-AG, CCRN, CNRN
Full Bio
Ann Peterson, PhD, RN,
APRN-CNS, CMSRN
Full Bio
Steve Risch, DNP, RN,
CCNS, CCRN
Full Bio
Leslie Smith, DNP, MSN, RN,
APRN-CNS, BMTCN, AOCNS
Full Bio
Susan Smith, DNP, APRN,
ACNS-BC
Full Bio
Patricia Todd, DNP, RN,
APRN, PCNS-BC, CPEN
Full Bio
Assumpta Ude, PhD, CNS,
CRNP
Full Bio
Myra Woolery, PhD, RN,
APRN-CNS, CPON
Full Bio
