Advanced Practice Nursing in Chile and the Role of the Registered Nurse
Topic of Interest
Capture Value of the CNS
Abstract
Background: The Clinical Nurse specialist (CNS) role is novel in our country and the goal of this research project is to explore the perceptions that experienced, and highly specialized Registered Nurses (RN) have of the CNS role through description of the RNs’ experiences, thus facilitating the transfer of the CNS role locally. Methods: Interviews were conducted with six RNs (two managers, one CNO, two educators, and one clinician) and thirty-two RNs participated in five focus groups. Participants were purposively sampled from Intensive Care Units (ICU) and Emergency Departments (ED) from four public and private hospitals. The analysis of the narratives and field notes utilized thematic content analysis. Outcomes: Common aspects of the CNS competencies and the experienced RN were recognized. These include: direct patient care, assessment, and mentoring, with important differences in management, research, and coaching competencies. Implications: Findings could facilitate the development of a master’s program for the CNS in Chile. The intent is to search for ways to offer formal recognition of experienced RNs’ skills and clinical experience thus motivating their interest for attaining the master’s degree program.