Examining Rural Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Roles
Topic of Interest
CNS as Researcher
CNS as Project Manager
Role of CNS in COVID-19 Pandemic
Patient Populations
Capture Value of the CNS
Interprofessional Collaboration
Abstract
Significance & background: Clinical Nurse Specialists are extremely valuable healthcare team members that may be underutilized in times of crisis. This case study examines how the role of the clinical nurse specialist proved worthy and evolved to meet the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic as it impacted one rural hospital in the southern United States of America. Evaluation methods: This reflective process delineates the actions taken and daily activities of the CNS role from the perspectives of the healthcare system, project management, patient populations, analytics, research activities, direct care, epidemiology, and leadership during this novel experience. Outcomes: The outcomes of the CNS activities are a work in progress and will be available by the time of the presentation. Implications: The implications of sharing this information to view opportunities for CNS and their respective organizations to think about and possibly apply the CNS differently going forward.