National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

11/25/2025

🚨 Important Update for the Nursing Community

New U.S. Department of Education rules could sharply restrict access to federal financing for graduate-level nursing students, including CNSs and other APRNs.

By reclassifying post-baccalaureate nursing programs as “graduate” instead of “professional,” nursing students would receive only half the loan amounts available to medical students.

NACNS is joining more than 50 nursing organizations to push for changes before the final regulation language is released in early 2026. Implementation is currently expected in July 2026.

➡️ Take action: Sign the petition urging the Department of Education to recognize nursing as a professional degree program. It takes less than a minute and makes a real impact.

✍️ Sign here: https://ana.quorum.us/campaign/professionaldegreepetition/

11/21/2025

NACNS is proud to join nursing leaders from across the country at this year’s Nursing Organizations Alliance (NOA) Annual Meeting and Leadership Academy in Kansas City.

This photo highlights the strength of collaboration across our profession, featuring:

➡️ Jennifer Mensik-Kennedy, American Nurses Association (ANA)
➡️ Kristi Reguin-Hartman, Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN)
➡️ Ron Kraus, Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
➡️ Missy Moreda, American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN)
➡️ Jackie Iseler, NACNS President-Elect
➡️ Rick Bassett, NACNS President

11/20/2025

Clinical nurse specialists, your voice matters — and NACNS is here to amplify it.

As the only organization representing all CNSs, NACNS strengthens the CNS role through advocacy, education, and professional connection. We champion title protection, full practice authority, and fair compensation — while helping you grow through exclusive benefits and collaboration.

Join a national network that advances patient care, supports professional excellence, and ensures the CNS role continues to thrive.

💡 Learn more about membership and find the right fit for you: https://brnw.ch/21wXGAZ

11/19/2025

A great moment from the recent Indiana Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (IACNS) annual conference — three NACNS presidents in one photo!

Pictured (left to right) are:

⭐2017 NACNS President Vince Holly, MSN, RN, CCNS, ACNS-BC, CCRN, FCNS. Vince is a Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist at Indiana University Health Bloomington.
⭐2025 NACNS President Rick Bassett, MSN, RN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, FCNS, LSSGB. Rick serves as an Adult Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist at St. Luke’s Health System (SLHS).
⭐2021 NACNS President Jan Powers, PhD, RN, CCRN, CCNS, NE-BC, FCCM, FAAN. Jan is Director of Nursing Research and Professional Practice at Parkview Health.

The November 14th conference brought the Indiana CNS community together to share ideas and strengthen ties. Thanks to the IACNS for hosting such a wonderful event. 👏

11/14/2025

📣 New Resource Alert: CNS Credentialing & Privileging Toolkit

As APRNs, clinical nurse specialists bring advanced expertise in diagnosing, prescribing, and treating — improving care at every level. But navigating credentialing and privileging can be complex.

The new CNS Credentialing & Privileging Toolkit breaks it down clearly and effectively.

🗂️ Understand the process
📋 Learn what to expect from your employer or organization
✅ Get tips for obtaining — and maintaining — your credentials and privileges
💬 Build confidence in your professional standing

Whether you're newly practicing or advocating for the CNS role in your health system, this toolkit is your guide.

📥 Download it now: https://bit.ly/47DwCsu

11/13/2025

The only national conference dedicated to Clinical Nurse Specialists returns March 9–12, 2026 — and this year’s theme says it all: Collaborate. 🤝

Join your peers in beautiful San Diego, CA ☀️ for four energizing days of connection, learning, and celebration. Expect inspiring keynotes, live pharmacology sessions, an interactive exhibit hall, poster presentations, CEs, and unmatched networking opportunities to help you advance your role and amplify the CNS voice.

If you plan to attend, now is the time to plan ahead. Our discounted room block at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina closes February 12, 2026 — but these rooms will fill up quickly.

Secure your spot, lock in the best deals, and get ready to collaborate in San Diego.

🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/4oHHagn

11/12/2025

The Nurses Day of Action is ON! Today, nurses across the country are mobilizing to demand safer workplaces and stronger support for their well-being. The American Nurses Association is calling on every nurse to contact their elected representatives and urge them to approve two critical bills:

⭐ The Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act
⭐ The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act

Together, these bills address the alarming rise in workplace violence and the growing mental health crisis among nurses. Nearly 1 in 4 nurses report being assaulted on the job, and burnout is driving workforce shortages in 42 states by 2030.

Let’s make our voices heard. 🗣️ Post in support of your fellow nurses and contact your representatives today. Learn how to take part using the ANA’s toolkit: https://brnw.ch/21wXqNL

11/07/2025

Get ready! We're joining the call to all nurses to mobilize on November 12 for the Nurses Day of Action 2025!

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is asking us to flood lawmakers’ inboxes with messages demanding they take action for nurses and their well-being.

We want Congress to act now to support healthcare workers and address nursing workforce shortages. On this Day of Action, we’re building momentum for two bills that aim to improve nurses’ well-being:
⭐The Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act
⭐The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act.

How can you help? You can share this post on social media today, and participate in the Nurses Day of Action next week. You can learn how using these resources:
- Check out the "Ways to Engage" section in the ANA's toolkit: https://brnw.ch/21wXiii
- Consider downloading and using the social media graphics from the ANA website: https://brnw.ch/21wXiih

Take a look and we'll see you November 12th!

11/06/2025

We’re proud to congratulate NACNS member Dr. Deanna L. Reising on her appointment to the American Nurses Enterprise (ANE) Research Advisory Council.

A well-deserved recognition of excellence — congratulations, Dr. Reising! 👏

Congratulations to IU School of Nursing's Dr. Deanna Reising, who is one of the nine outstanding nurse leaders and researchers recently appointed to the American Nurses Enterprise Research Advisory Council!

The American Nurses Enterprise Research Advisory Council provides expert guidance and recommendations to the Institute for Nursing Research & Quality Management on matters of global importance, aimed at shaping the future of nursing and healthcare. Composed of volunteer experts, the Council unites diverse nursing voices to steer research efforts that strengthen the global impact of nursing.

Read the announcement here: https://ow.ly/SSrr50XlaHS

11/03/2025

NACNS President Rick Bassett, President-Elect Jackie Iseler, and Executive Director Alec Stone had a wonderful visit last week with our partners at Virtual, Inc. 🤝

Together, we’re advancing the mission of NACNS and supporting the vital work of Clinical Nurse Specialists across the country.

11/01/2025

Put your organization in front of top Clinical Nurse Specialist leaders! ✨ The NACNS 2026 Annual Conference is the premier event for connecting with key decision-makers, building relationships, and showcasing your brand. 🤝

Discover sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities in our Sponsorship Prospectus and reach out today to secure your spot! ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21wX7E4

10/24/2025

📚 Dive into this month’s issue: The September/October edition of Clinical Nurse Specialist Journal is now available!

Discover fresh perspectives on advanced practice nursing — including legal and ethical updates, research methods, pharmacology, reporting outcomes, and more!

Featured articles include:
✍️ Debug Your Writing at Writer’s Camp!
🔍 Program Development and Evaluation: Taking Your Project From Quality Improvement to Research
🏡 Why Clinical Nurse Specialists Are the Perfect Entrepreneurs for Home Healthcare and Community Health..and other insightful reads!

Stay current and inspired — explore the latest issue today.

👉 Access the journal: https://brnw.ch/21wWUXD