Clinical Nurse Specialist

Description:

A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is an RN who has completed advanced nursing education (usually a master's or doctorate degree) and is certified by the New York State Education Department as a "Clinical Nurse Specialist" or "CNS" in a specialty area of practice. The New York State Education Department certifies CNSs in the following specialty practice areas: Adult Health; Pediatrics; Psychiatric/Mental Health; and, Oncology.

CNSs provide expert, highly specialized nursing services that benefit patients with complex health care needs. They typically work in hospitals but may also work in other health care or community settings. They often evaluate quality and effectiveness of patient care and provide clinical consultation to other health care personnel. CNSs are often involved in health care management, clinical research and health care policy development.

CNSs do not make medical diagnoses or prescribe medical treatments or diagnostic tests. For example, a CNS does not prescribe medications or order x-rays.

Licensure Requirements:

You must be certified and registered as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) in order to practice as a clinical nurse specialist in New York State.

Fees:

The fee for certification and initial registration to practice as a clinical nurse specialist in a specialty practice area is $80 ($50 certificate application fee plus a $30 fee for the initial registration.)

The first time that you renew your registration as a clinical nurse specialist in a specialty area of practice, your registration fee will be approximately $30.

The fee to renew a registration in a clinical nurse specialist specialty practice area after the first registration renewal is $30.

Licensing Authority:

New York State Education Department
Office of the Professions
State Board for Nursing
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12234
Phone: (518) 474-3817 Press 1 then Ext. 120
Fax: (518) 474-3706
Email: nursebd@nysed.gov

Standard Occupational Classification:

29-1141.04 - Clinical Nurse Specialists.
To learn more about this occupation search the Occupational Information Network (O*Net).

Disclaimer:

Fees stated and other information contained in this report are subject to change. Please contact the licensing authority listed above for the most current information.

This page was posted on 12/14/20.