Clinical Nurse Specialist vs NP

A clinical nurse specialist is an advanced practice registered nurse, while a NP is also an advanced practice registered nurse, but they are known to practice more autonomously. A clinical nurse specialist may perform these functions for patients: order tests, make diagnoses, administer basic treatments, and, in some states, prescribe medications. Beyond this, they may provide expertise and support to a team of nurses.

What is a clinical nurse specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Jacklyn Gentry

A clinical nurse specialist is an advanced practice registered nurse who has completed additional education and training in a specific area of healthcare. They provide direct patient care, conduct research, educate and mentor other nurses, and advocate for patients and their families. Clinical nurse specialists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. Overall, clinical nurse specialists play a critical role in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

What general advice would you give to a clinical nurse specialist?

Dr. Jacklyn Gentry

Chair, Assistant Professor, Missouri Western State University

New graduate nurses are highly encouraged to take the NCLEX-RN exam as close to graduation as possible and to seek employment in an organization that offers a nurse residency program. Nurse residency programs provide the newly-licensed nurse with additional support as they transition into their first year of practice as a professional nurse. The programs are designed to support the new nurse to decrease turnover, reduce stress, improve decision-making skills, develop leadership skills, and incorporate research-based evidence into nursing practice.

ScoreClinical Nurse SpecialistUS Average

Salary

6.0

Avg. Salary $77,086

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.9

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.44%

Asian 8.95%

Black or African American 11.47%

Hispanic or Latino 8.91%

Unknown 4.25%

White 65.98%

Gender

female 90.11%

male 9.89%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress level

9.9

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a clinical nurse specialist?

Pros

High level of job satisfaction
Good salary potential
Ability to have a direct impact on patient care
Flexibility in work schedule and location
Strong demand for CNSs in the healthcare industry

Cons

High level of responsibility and accountability
Long hours and demanding workload
High stress environment
Risk of burnout and compassion fatigue
Challenges in balancing administrative and clinical duties

Key steps to become a clinical nurse specialist

Explore clinical nurse specialist education requirements

Most common clinical nurse specialist degrees

Bachelor's

44.7 %

Master's

30.5 %

Associate

16.8 %

Start to develop specific clinical nurse specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	20.69%
BLS	7.70%
Clinical Practice	7.36%
CNS	6.02%
Professional Development	3.71%

Complete relevant clinical nurse specialist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New clinical nurse specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a clinical nurse specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real clinical nurse specialist resumes.

Research clinical nurse specialist duties and responsibilities

Manage chronic conditions (CHF, COPD, DM, ESRD) in a medically complex patient population.
Supervise and manage hypertension clinic.
Manage continuity of care for complex general internal patients with limit resources-diabetes, hypertension, psychiatric, and homeless.
Consult and follow patients in the ICU, emergency room, on the floor, and in clinic.

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