Glossary Term:
Title
clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
Phonetic
Description
An advanced practice registered nurse (APN or APRN) with a master’s or doctoral degree and special certification who works closely with the entire care team, and has advanced training and clinical experience in a certain area of medical and nursing practice. Oncology CNSs have many different roles, such as direct patient or family care, supervising staff, nursing research related to cancer patients, or teaching about cancer, treatment, and side effects.