NAME: Karen M. Marzlin, DNP, RN, CCNS, CCRN-CMC, CHFN
CURRENT POSITION AND AFFILIATIONS: Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Aultman Hospital Canton, Ohio; Key Choice Consulting, Uniontown, Ohio; Cardiovascular Nursing Education Associates, Burien, Washington.
AREA(S) OF SPECIALIZATION: Critical Care, Cardiovascular, and Heart Failure
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION: MSN, Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; DNP, Duquesne University
CERTIFICATION: CCNS, CCRN, and CMC from AACN Certification Corporation, CHFN from the AAHFN
Karen M. Marzlin, DNP, RN, CCNS, CCRN-CMC, CHFN, is the recipient of the 2014 National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) of the Year Award. The NACNS created the award to nationally recognize an NACNS member for outstanding professional achievement in CNS practice. The award acknowledges a CNS who demonstrates excellence in practice across all 3 domains of CNS competencies-patient care, nurses/nursing practice, and healthcare delivery systems.
Dr Marzlin's specialty practice is acute care, and she has more than 27 years' cardiovascular and critical care experience. Currently, she practices in an inpatient medical cardiology setting. Earlier in her career, she dedicated 10 years to management and cardiovascular program administration, where she developed a passion for leadership, which she has carried with her into her CNS role. Karen has focused clinical expertise in the area of heart failure patient management and is now developing a high-risk heart failure clinic. Her commitment to excellence in heart failure care extends to the systems level where she leads a multidisciplinary steering committee for improving patient outcomes across the continuum.
Dr Marzlin has a vision for mentoring nurses to achieve their optimal contribution at the point of care. She has developed a novel approach to nursing competency assessment for recognizing the excellence in bedside clinicians. In addition to maintaining a part-time clinical practice, Karen is a co-owner of Key Choice, a training and consulting business, and in Cardiovascular Nursing Education Associates (CNEA), a continuing education business. She collaborated on the publication of Cardiovascular Nursing Practice: A Comprehensive Nursing Resource Manual published by CNEA. Karen speaks nationally on a wide variety of cardiovascular, critical care, and leadership topics. Her presentations are energetic, engaging and empowering. In each aspect of CNS practice, her goal is to influence, engage, and transform nurses and the practice of nursing.
What first motivated you to become a clinical nurse specialist?
I was enrolled in an MSN program in nursing education at Duquesne University. I had not considered the role of advanced practice nurse (APN) as an option since I was going back to school later in my career. I was not very knowledgeable with the different APN roles at the time. During on-site orientation, the CNS faculty chair gave a presentation that included the 3 spheres of CNS practice. As I listened to her talk about the CNS role, I thought, that's it-that is what I want to be educated to do in my professional practice. Shortly thereafter, I changed my area of focus from the education to CNS track.
What, if any, professional or career issues did you face early in your career as a CNS? What helped you address them?
The 2 issues I remember were (1) adjusting from expert practice as a registered nurse to the novice practice of a CNS and APN and (2) realizing that colleagues did not understand the CNS role. I had to remind physicians in particular, who saw me as experienced, that I was new to advanced practice. Other APNs, including CNSs who had experienced this transition, were able to understand and mentor me in learning a new role. I also learned that it was crucial to be prepared, confident, and clear in articulating the CNS role when questions were asked.
What do you perceive are the key issues for clinical nurse specialist practice today?
I think the key issues are (1) ensuring CNSs are at the table for all discussions regarding advanced practice registered nurse practice. This includes discussions at the individual organizational level to discussions in the national arena and (2) ensuring that CNSs are practicing to the full extent of educational preparation and licensure.
What do you see as the future role of clinical nurse specialists in healthcare reform?
Clinical nurse specialists bring the unique perspective of thinking of care delivery from a patient, nurse, and systems perspective. This perspective brings solutions that are at the heart of healthcare reform. Clinical nurse specialists should be the nursing leaders in this era.
To date, what do you perceive as your greatest accomplishments as a clinical nurse specialist?
I think my greatest accomplishment has been the opportunity to add value that is sustainable. I have discovered I can have an impact through both individual encounters and through group initiatives. When faced with a decision I have found that asking the question "What is the right thing for the patient?" always moves you closer to the answer and eliminates barriers to change. Seeking advice from nurses at the point of care provides powerful insight into practical solutions. When you consider the needs of the patient and the perspective of the point of care nurse, solutions align to impact the system and sustainable programs.
What do you enjoy or value most about the role of a clinical nurse specialist?
I enjoy and value the opportunity to make a difference. I find great joy in my practice when seeing patients and using my advanced clinical skills to make a difference in their care. I also appreciate every opportunity to both formally and informally teach and mentor. It is satisfying to know I have influenced other nurses to engage in lifelong learning. I also like the challenge of leading at a systems level. This is where there is great opportunity to expand our scope of influence.
What advice would you give a new clinical nurse specialist starting out in this role?
Be proud of the CNS role. Be clear in your purpose, and measure your outcomes. Get involved in the NACNS and help advance our profession. Have fun on your journey! Our work matters and it is challenging, but it is also rewarding. Finding joy in your practice is the most important source of renewal.