Clinical nurse specialist
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work shifts, including nights, weekends and public holidays
- Usually work in hospitals, clinics and health centres, and may travel locally
- May do emotionally demanding work
- Need to be organised, methodical and communicate well
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Oversee patient care
- Develop nursing policies and standards
- Assess patients
- Develop medical treatment plans
- Oversee medical staff
- Train nurses and other medical professionals
- Educate patients and colleagues
- Work with other medical professionals
Outlook
Clinical nurse specialists play an important role in increasingly complex healthcare systems. New Zealand’s ageing population, rising rates of long-term health conditions and ongoing healthcare workforce challenges are driving demand for advanced nursing expertise. Globally, healthcare systems are placing greater emphasis on specialised care, prevention, community-based services and improved patient outcomes, creating opportunities for experienced nurses to take on leadership and specialist practice responsibilities.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Advanced clinical knowledge and judgement
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Strong communication with patients and healthcare teams
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Commitment to evidence-based practice
- Ability to adapt to changing healthcare needs
Professional registration
Nursing Council of New Zealand
registration@nursingcouncil.org.nz
04 385 9589
AUT programmes
- Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice
- Advanced Nursing Practice - Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
- Advanced Nursing Practice - Master of Health Science
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.