The Role and Practice of CNS in Australia

The role of the clinical nurse specialist in the Australian context is only present in some states and territories. Although the role of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is filled by a registered nurse, the role itself is not regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. This means that the title is not protected by the National Law, although the Nurse Practitioner title is. The role and scope of practice is articulated in employment awards and job descriptions developed by the employing organisation. Although the clinical nurse specialist role is not present in all states and territories, other advanced practice roles provide similar types and levels of ‘specialist’ nursing and midwifery care, including the clinical nurse consultant (CNC) role. The CNC position is also not regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. In some states, the clinical nurse specialist has responsibility for direct patient care, whereas in other jurisdictions, the clinical nurse specialist has a specialist advisory and support role. A review of a number of CNS roles revealed the requirement for advanced, expert and specialised knowledge for the clinical speciality as detailed in the job descriptions. Not all jurisdictions require tertiary qualifications for preparation to practice as a CNS. The scope of practice for the reviewed positions presented in this chapter broadly includes the provision of advanced and specialised best practice clinical skills to assess, plan, organise, implement and evaluate care. Other key elements include education to patients and family, other nurses and colleagues, participation in the development of evidence-based practice through research and policy evaluation and advocacy.