National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

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National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

NACNS is the only association representing the clinical nurse specialist (CNS)

Founded in 1995, The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists is the only association representing the clinical nurse specialist (CNS). CNSs are advanced practice registered nurses who work in a variety of specialties to ensure high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centered care. As leaders in health care settings, CNSs provide direct patient care and lead initiatives to improve care and clinical outcomes, and reduce costs. NACNS is dedicated to advancing CNS practice and education, removing certification and regulatory barriers, and assuring the public access to quality CNS services.

01/18/2026

Have you explored our CNS Program Directory? 👀 It's your go-to resource for a complete list of active programs across the U.S. that offer entry-level preparation for the CNS role. Dive in today 👉 https://brnw.ch/21wZbIO

💡 CNSs, notice a program we’ve missed? Help us keep the list current by submitting a website intake form!

01/17/2026

⏱️ The Annual Conference is coming to San Diego March 9 - 12, and it's time to start sharing the excitement!

Sharing is made simple with our media kit:
1 - Select a caption
2 - Download an image
3 - Post on your favorite social platforms

This event is important for amplifying expertise and strengthening ties with your colleagues, networks, and fellow CNSs — so we encourage you to start early, and share often!

Here's everything you need: https://brnw.ch/21wZayb

01/10/2026

🎉 New year, new possibilities! Discover your next clinical nurse specialist career move, connect with top healthcare talent, and explore exciting new opportunities through the NACNS Career Center.

Whether you’re growing your team or advancing your career, NACNS is here to support you! 🌟 Start exploring today and take the next step toward a brighter future: https://brnw.ch/21wYZ2A

01/08/2026

Don’t miss the NACNS 2026 Annual Conference, the only national conference dedicated to clinical nurse specialists! Join us March 9–12 in San Diego, CA, for four days of in-depth learning on today’s most relevant topics for CNSs and nursing professionals.

🎤 Inspiring keynote sessions
💡Groundbreaking sessions
🩺 New CNO panel
🤖 AI Workshop
✅ Live CEs
💎 CNSI 10th Anniversary Gala

Early bird registration ends Jan. 28, 2026. ✨ Not a member? You can join NACNS during registration to access early bird rates. Secure your spot and help shape the future of CNS practice: https://brnw.ch/21wYWbt

01/05/2026

🎉Please join us in celebrating the 2026 Class of CNSI Fellows!

This highly prestigious honor recognizes members of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists who represent the very best of the clinical nurse specialist role — trusted leaders in nursing, steadfast advocates for patients and families, and contributors to lasting improvements in population health.

The 2026 Fellows will be formally inducted on Tuesday, March 10, during the Annual Conference in San Diego. All NACNS members and conference attendees are invited to attend the GALA Celebration & CNSI Induction Dinner. Guest tickets are available through the NACNS 2026 Annual Conference registration website: https://brnw.ch/21wYQSx

We look forward to honoring this exceptional group and celebrating their impact on the profession. You can read the full list of Fellows here ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21wYQSy

01/02/2026

The November/December edition of Clinical Nurse Specialist™: The International Journal for Advanced Nursing Practice is readily available — and NACNS members can read it for free.

This issue explores timely topics central to CNS practice, including:
🩺 Preventing aspiration among older adults in long-term care
🏥 Managing alcohol withdrawal in hospital settings
🧘‍♀️ The effects of laughter yoga and mindfulness on nurses’ fatigue and performance
💬 Revisiting COVID-19 frontline nurse experiences and what they mean for the profession today

Access your copy and stay current on the research shaping CNS practice worldwide.
➡️ Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wYN4R

12/30/2025

NACNS is proud to announce its 2026 leadership team, representing nearly 90,000 clinical nurse specialists nationwide. The newly elected leaders include President-Elect Kayla M. Little, board members Mary Lawanson-Nichols, David F. Bradley Jr., and Marcia S. Cornell, and nominating committee members Audrey Tran, Samantha DiBlasi, Matthew Blake, and Christina Vejnovich. 👏

Together, they will guide NACNS in advancing CNS practice, supporting members, and strengthening patient care. Read the full press release to learn more about our incoming leaders and their priorities: https://brnw.ch/21wYJDZ

12/26/2025

CNSI is accepting applications for travel grants of up to $750 for NACNS members presenting podium or poster sessions that showcase the CNS role, innovations, and outcomes. ✨

Eligible presentations include local, regional, or national conferences from the past six months—particularly those presented in collaboration with a nurse leader or executive or at conferences primarily attended by non-CNS nurse leaders.

🗓️ Application period now extended through January 15, 2026.

Learn more 🔗 https://brnw.ch/21wYEoF

12/24/2025

Happy Holidays from all of us at NACNS! ✨ To CNSs and nurses everywhere, your dedication — especially during the holiday season — is inspiring. Wishing you joy, rest, and recognition for the incredible impact you make every day. 🤝

12/16/2025

The campaign to change the Department of Education’s RISE Committee definition of nursing as a “professional” degree is getting traction! Momentum is building as nursing organizations and lawmakers push back on a proposal that would limit graduate loan access for nurses.

Here’s where things stand:
✅ Over 60 organizations (including NACNS) have mobilized their members to support a bipartisan letter to the RISE Committee, outlining the serious consequences this definition would have for nursing education and the workforce.
✅ 148 Senators and Members of Congress have signed the letter, signaling broad, bipartisan concern.

What’s at stake: Under the proposed rules, excluding nursing from the “professional” category would sharply reduce federal loan limits for graduate nursing students.

📣 Take action: Visit the Advocacy page to learn how to sign the petition and contact your Representative: https://brnw.ch/21wYpDP

Collective voices are moving this issue forward!

12/12/2025

🥳 NOW AVAILABLE: the agenda at-a-glance for the Annual Conference! The complete agenda is coming soon, but it's never too early to start planning for four incredible days of professional enrichment.

If you're a CNS (or thinking of becoming one), join us for an incredible event that will leave you inspired and ready to raise the bar even higher. You can find more information and registration links here: https://brnw.ch/21wYjOp

12/11/2025

On December 9, the Maryland Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (MACNS) hosted its final meeting of 2025 in Baltimore. 🎉 This event provided valuable opportunities for networking, mentoring, and learning, and we were honored to welcome Alec Stone, Executive Director of NACNS, who engaged with CNSs and CNS students from across Maryland. 🤝 Looking forward to continued in 2026!

Address

401 Edgewater Place, Unit 600
Reston, VA
01880

Website

http://www.nacns.org/

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