Reflection On The Role Of An Advanced Practice Nurse

During my clinical practicum hours at Fresno Surgical Hospital (FSH) with my preceptor, Heidi Honeycutt, I have gained a better understanding of the role of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Although all of the roles of the CNS are important, to be an effective and competent advanced practice nurse (APN), a CNS must have strong leadership skills. Leadership in a CNS role includes the ability to perform clinical research, guide change, model behaviors that lead to best patient outcomes, and develop trusting relationships with staff and patients in order to promote the facilitation of learning and communication. My preceptor has the knowledge and theoretical framework to accomplish the CNS role on a day-to-day basis, but what sets her apart and makes her a competent APN are her strong leadership skills. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the role of the CNS as a leader and how having a better understanding of this role contributes to my professional and personal growth.

According to Hamric, Spross, and Hanson (2009), the role of the CNS was

The three spheres in this model can be integrated with the Synergy Model to define nurse competencies. For example, in the systems leadership competency in the Synergy Model, the main function of the CNS is to be able “to manage change and empower others to influence clinical practice and political processes both within and across systems” (National CNS Competency Task Force, 2010, p. 20). Given this competency, the CNS models behaviors specific to each of the three spheres of influence. My preceptor is modeling the behaviors within the three spheres