Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health (formerly known as Medical-Surgical) Nursing Certification
This is a computer-based test (CBT)
Application and Pricing (PDF: 438KB)
Description of Practice
The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Adult Health Nursing is a registered nurse prepared in a graduate
level adult health (medical-surgical) clinical nurse specialist program to provide advanced care to adults.
The Adult Health CNS has advanced expertise and knowledge of complex adult medical-surgical health
problems and uses advanced diagnostic and assessment skills and interventions to manage and improve
patient care. Using theory and research, the Adult Health CNS considers all influences on a patient’s
health status and the related psychosocial and behavioral problems arising from the patient’s altered
physiological condition. The Adulth Health CNS practices in diverse settings including primary care,
acute care, and long-term care and is actively engaged in education (e.g. patient, staff, students, and
colleagues), case management, expert clinical practice, consultation, research, and/or administration.
Eligibility Criteria
-
Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country
- Hold a master’s, post-master’s, or doctorate from a clinical nurse specialist in adult health program accredited
by the Commission on the Collegiate of Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing
Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). A minimum of 500 faculty supervised clinical hours in the CNS-Adult
Health Nursing role and specialty must be included in the educational program. The Adult Health CNS graduate
program must include course work in:
- advanced health assessment
- advanced pharmacology
- advanced pathophysiology
All requirements must be completed prior to application for the examination.
Credential Awarded: ACNS-BC (Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist – Board Certified)
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