Practice patterns and perceived impact of clinical nurse specialist roles in Canada: Results of a national survey

摘要: Abstract Background Clinical nurse specialists are recognized internationally for providing an advanced level of practice. They positively impact the delivery healthcare services by using specialty-specific expert knowledge and skills, integrating competencies as clinicians, educators, researchers, consultants leaders. Graduate-level education is recommended role but many countries do not have formal credentialing mechanisms clinical specialists. Previous studies found that specialist roles poorly understood stakeholders. Few national examined utilization Objective To identify practice patterns in Canada. Design A descriptive cross-sectional survey. Participants Self-identified Methods 50-item self-report questionnaire was developed, pilot-tested English French, administered to self-identified from April 2011 August 2011. Data were analyzed inferential statistics content analysis. Results The actual number Canada remains unknown. response rate registry-identified 33% (804/2431). Of this number, 608 reported working a specialist. graduate-prepared 60% (471/782). varied across specialties. influenced their patterns. administrative structures resources place support development. lack title protection resulted confusion around who identifies themselves consequently made it difficult determine Conclusions This first survey clearer understanding these provides stakeholders with much needed information about Such can inform decisions policies, organizational supports effectively utilize systems. study emphasizes need develop standardized educational requirements, consistent titles facilitate identification comparison outcomes internationally.