2012 Volume 4 Issue 1 Pages 1_13-1_25
The purpose of this study was to clarify support certified nurse specialists (CNS) require from their nurse administrators, and to discuss methods that facilitate good relationships between the CNS and their administrators and ensure CNS function effectively.
Participants were CNS specializing in oncology, critical care, or gerontology with less than 5 years of experience as a CNS. In addition, the nurse administrators who were the direct supervisors of the CNS participated in this study.
Data were collected by interview and qualitative analyses were conducted.
The total number of participants was 16, including 8 CNS and 8 administrators. The mean duration of employment as a registered nurse was 18 years, and the mean duration of employment as a CNS was 2 years. Among administrators, the mean duration of employment from a position as a head nurse to the present position as a nurse administrator was 11 years.
Analysis of data from CNS revealed the following support needs: <To work with the nurse administrators who can empathize with them>, <To enhance the understanding of their role within the organization>, and 4 other categories. Analysis of data from the nurse administrators identified the following types of support: <To consult and educate CNS to enhance their competencies>, <To regularly exchange information to better link the role of the CNS to the organization's needs>, and 4 other categories.
In conclusion, the present results revealed that the support needs of CNS are important when preparing for the CNS certification exam. The primary role of the nurse administrators is to assess the organizational structure in the hospital and assist CNS in facilitating the development of a quality organization. In terms of Economical support, political action will be required to address this issue in the future. CNS must assess the organizational culture in their hospitals and establish good relationships with nurse administrators through skillful communication.
