The development of clinical nurse specialist roles in Ireland

Abstract

While the term specialist in nursing can be traced to the turn of the 20th Century, it is only since 2001 that a framework was developed for a clinical career pathway in Ireland. This framework has promoted the development and expansion of the clinical nurse/midwife specialist (CNS/CMS) throughout Ireland over the past 10 years guided by the National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery (NCNM). To build upon the achievements of the NCNM and advance nursing practice, it is imperative that CNS/CMS's adopt and fulfil the components of their role. Since CNS/CMS practice is relatively new to Ireland, there is the opportunity to learn from experiences of other countries. This article outlines the development and challenges of the CNS role in Ireland.

Nurses’ perceptions of their role in rehabilitation of the older person

“…These specialist nurses have a role in achieving the vision for advancing nursing practice, care and rehabilitation of the older person. However, this can only be achieved if the CNS adopts and fulfils the components of the CNS role and takes on a leadership role in the profession (Doody and Bailey 2011). Nurses and CNSs working in rehabilitation need to create evidence about their practice outcomes.…”

Focus group interviews examining the contribution of intellectual disability clinical nurse specialists in Ireland

“…As care provision continues to evolve, the demands and requirements of CNSs will also change. However, CNS must contribute to such changes and take an active role in service planning (Doody & Bailey , Doody et al . ).…”

“…Since the development of clinical nurse specialist (CNS), many attempts have been made to clarify their role, functions and defining characteristics. However, CNS remains a complex multifaceted role with many components creating confusion, frustration and controversy (Doody & Bailey , Edwards , Charbachi et al . ).…”

“…). This confusion stems from role ambiguity; individual interpretation; variation in educational preparation; title confusion; lack of authority; lack of support; loss of clinical role; and insufficient research regarding the role (Doody & Bailey , Roberts et al . ).…”

“…The NCPDNM developed a national framework for CNSs, defined CNS, identified areas of specialty and described five core concepts of the CNS role (client focus, client advocate, education/training, audit/research and consultancy) based on an adaptation of Hamric's () role components. Each of the five core concepts needs to be enacted in order for the nurse to be considered a CNS (Doody & Bailey ).…”