The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice nurse whose function is to improve outcomes in patient care, in collaboration with nursing staff, the interdisciplinary team, and organizational leaders. The CNS influences across three spheres-the patient and family, nurses and nursing practice, and at the organizational/systems level, while demonstrating competency in leadership, clinical expertise, education, collaboration, consultation, research and evidence-based practice, coaching and mentoring, and ethical decision-making and advocacy Clinical judgment: Models advanced assessment and interpretation, implements nursing care, and evaluates outcomes for patient populations.