National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS)

The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS), founded in 1995, enhances and promotes clinical nurse specialists' unique, high-value contributions to the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. NACNS is the only association representing the 89,000 clinical nurse specialists working across the country. Our members are advanced practice registered nurses and leaders in health care. They work in various specialties across the health care continuum to ensure high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centered care. Because of their graduate-level education and training, clinical nurse specialists are uniquely prepared to assess, analyze, and improve the business of health care while continuing to put the patient first. CNSs provide leadership in clinical expertise, nursing practice, and systems innovation regardless of specialty or setting.