That’s a Nurse Specialists Job, Final Year Student Nurses Views on the Impact and Role of the Hospital Clinical Nurse Specialist

Background: There has been a rapid increase in the number, range of specialities, and responsibilities undertaken by CNS’s in the UK. There exists wide disparity in terms of qualification, experience and remuneration and little rigorous evidence of the effectiveness of these roles (Castledine 1997; 2000). There is some evidence to suggest patient benefits whereas other work suggests that CNS deskill nurses generalist; nurses (Jack et al 2002). There is an urgent need to establish the added value of the CNS. Method: This paper will present data from Phase I of a multi-centre study examining the impact of the CNS on generalist nurses. A survey was administered to soon to be qualified adult branch students nurses from three UK higher education institutions. The specially designed questionnaire explored the student’s perceptions of CNS involvement in care, reasons for referral and advantages and disadvantages of the role(s). Results and Discussion: The results indicated that CNS are routinely involved in the care of patients across a range of diagnoses and needs. Generally CNS’s were seen as bringing benefit to patients, although problems associated with delays following referral were noted. The participants identified education and support as beneficial but this was contrasted against the negative impact of growing conflict between nurses and CNS post holders. The students identified the potential for generalist nurses to be undervalued and de-skilled. This paper will discuss the results and explore the potential reasons underlying these findings including confusion surrounding the role of the CNS. Intended learning outcomes: • Have an awareness of the expansion of CNS • Be aware of the need to evaluate the impact of the CNS • Appreciate the potential benefits and disadvantages that CNS can have