ABSTRACT
The clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is included in the collective term advanced practice nurse. Preparation of the CNS involves completion of a graduate program with a clinical focus, specialty certification, and state-defined requirements for licensure.
The trauma CNS demonstrates advanced clinical knowledge based on an in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology of trauma combined with extensive practical experience observing human responses to injury. The trauma CNS assumes the traditional subroles as expert practitioner, educator, consultant, and researcher with the proportion of time spent in each subrole based on the needs of the trauma program. The CNS's ability to minimize variances in care and prevent adverse outcomes directly support performance improvement. The Society of Trauma Nurses recognizes and supports the utilization of CNSs in trauma programs.