National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

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.

05/29/2026

Amplify – Behind the Impact. Who Has Shaped Your CNS Journey?

This month, we’re recognizing the people who have shaped our CNS journeys — the mentors, advocates, colleagues, leaders, and peers whose support, encouragement, and shared successes leave a lasting impact.

Because celebrating success also means recognizing the people who helped make it possible.

Who has shaped your CNS journey in a meaningful way?

Tag them. Share a success you experienced together. Tell their story. Or simply let them know: “What you’ve done matters.”

Join NACNS on June 5 for an engaging webinar, Pain and Functional Assessments in the Verbal Adult, presented by Ramona S...
05/27/2026

Join NACNS on June 5 for an engaging webinar, Pain and Functional Assessments in the Verbal Adult, presented by Ramona S. Irabor, DNP, AGCNS-BC, MEDSURG-BC, CPAN, PMGT-BC, AP-PMN.

In this educational session, Dr. Irabor will share practical, evidence-based approaches to pain assessment in verbally communicative adults, with a special focus on evaluating pain reports alongside functional status to support more comprehensive clinical decision-making.

Participants who attend the full webinar and complete the evaluation will receive 1.0 nursing professional development hour.
📅 June 5
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST
💻 Zoom webinar
💲NACNS Members: Complimentary | Non-Members: $25

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a nationally recognized leader in pain management and clinical nurse specialist practice.

Register today! https://brnw.ch/21x2SBM

📣 The 2026 CNS Census is officially open—add your voice today!The CNS Census helps capture critical insights into the ed...
05/26/2026

📣 The 2026 CNS Census is officially open—add your voice today!

The CNS Census helps capture critical insights into the education, demographics, and practice of Clinical Nurse Specialists across the United States. The data collected strengthens advocacy efforts, informs NACNS initiatives, and helps healthcare leaders, educators, and policymakers better understand and amplify the impact of CNSs.

If you identify as or were educated as a CNS, your participation matters—even if you are not currently practicing in the role.

Survey open: May 26 – June 15, 2026

Join this important national effort and help ensure the CNS community is fully represented. Complete the survey and share it with your CNS colleagues!

Learn more and take the survey today! https://brnw.ch/21x2Qnj

Still time to catch up on everything from ! 🎥On-demand content from the NACNS 2026 Annual Conference remains available ...
05/22/2026

Still time to catch up on everything from ! 🎥

On-demand content from the NACNS 2026 Annual Conference remains available through July 10, giving attendees continued access to conference sessions and learning opportunities at their convenience.

If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time—but don’t wait. Registration must be completed before July 10 to access the on-demand content before it closes.

Secure your virtual access here: https://brnw.ch/21x2JYh

NACNS was proud to have Shelley Sherman Zapata and Amber Glukhenkiy representing the organization at NTI this week, help...
05/22/2026

NACNS was proud to have Shelley Sherman Zapata and Amber Glukhenkiy representing the organization at NTI this week, helping amplify the Clinical Nurse Specialist role and sharing the impact CNSs make every day. 💙

Thank you both for elevating the CNS voice and championing what it means to be a CNS!

This week, NACNS President Jackie Iseler attended theNational Nurses Month 2026 and the 80th Anniversary of the Division...
05/14/2026

This week, NACNS President Jackie Iseler attended the
National Nurses Month 2026 and the 80th Anniversary of the Division of Nursing Celebration, HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce, Division of Nursing and Public Health, representing NACNS and advocating for continued investment in the nursing workforce.

The event highlighted the critical role of workforce development, advanced nursing education, and programs that strengthen access to care in underserved communities. NACNS is proud to support initiatives that elevate and expand the impact of Clinical Nurse Specialists nationwide.

Happy National Student Nurses Day! 💙Today, NACNS celebrates the passion, dedication, and future leadership of nursing st...
05/08/2026

Happy National Student Nurses Day! 💙

Today, NACNS celebrates the passion, dedication, and future leadership of nursing students everywhere. Your commitment to learning, advocacy, and patient care is shaping the future of healthcare, and we are proud to support the next generation of Clinical Nurse Specialists.

To all student nurses: thank you for the difference you are already making and for the impact you will continue to have in advancing quality, safety, and innovation in care.

Celebrate the power behind patient care this National Nurses Week (May 6–12). 💙This year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses” ...
05/06/2026

Celebrate the power behind patient care this National Nurses Week (May 6–12). 💙

This year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses” recognizes the profound impact nurses have on healthcare, communities, and the lives they touch every day.

NACNS is proud to amplify the role of Clinical Nurse Specialists—leaders who drive innovation, improve outcomes, and elevate nursing practice across complex care environments.

Join us in celebrating the CNS community and the powerful difference they make this week and every week!

The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists Call for Volunteers has been extended to May 15!This is a great o...
05/05/2026

The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists Call for Volunteers has been extended to May 15!

This is a great opportunity for members—including students—to get involved, contribute to NACNS’ strategic priorities, and engage through the organization’s refreshed committee structure.

Don’t miss your chance to make an impact: https://brnw.ch/21x2d1m

The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists has released a new statement in response to the Department of Edu...
05/04/2026

The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists has released a new statement in response to the Department of Education’s finalized graduate student loan rulemaking.

The policy introduces significant changes to federal student loan programs—including new borrowing limits and a narrowed definition of “professional” degrees—which may impact access to advanced nursing education and the future healthcare workforce.

NACNS outlines key concerns around how these changes could affect Clinical Nurse Specialists and the patients and systems they support.

Read the full statement: https://brnw.ch/21x2blE

Clinical Nurse Specialists play a vital role in strengthening healthcare systems and are often underrecognized.CNSs brin...
04/30/2026

Clinical Nurse Specialists play a vital role in strengthening healthcare systems and are often underrecognized.

CNSs bring advanced clinical expertise that not only supports direct patient care, but also improves nursing practice, elevates quality and safety, and helps teams navigate complex clinical challenges.

Learn more about the impact and value of the CNS role in this feature from the University of Minnesota School of Nursing: https://brnw.ch/21x25wR

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