The Clinical Nurse Specialist: perceptions of practising CNSs of their role and development needs

Abstract

• This study was carried out to determine the role and development needs of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) in two acute hospital trusts. • One of the aims was to obtain a detailed understanding of the current professional experience of Clinical Nurse Specialists. • Data were collected using focus groups and analysed descriptively. • Analysis of the content was qualitative, based on a grounded theory approach, and followed the initial steps of open and axial coding. • Role transition and development needs are identified on a continuum of novice to expert.