A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice nurse, with graduate preparation (earned masters or doctorate) from a program that prepares CNSs. CNSs are clinical experts in a specialized area of nursing practice and in the delivery of evidence-based nursing interventions.
Based only on The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) requirements:
Clinical Judgment, Coaching, Collaboration, Consultation, Competency, Direct Clinical Practice, Ethical Decision-Making, Moral Agency and Advocacy, Evidence based practice, Facilitation of Learning, indirect care. Non pharmacologic (and integrative) interventions, Nurse Sensitive Outcomes, diversity, Direct Care Competency, Systems Leadership Competency, Research Competency