Clinical Nurse Specialists
Clinical Nurse Specialists direct nursing staff and oversee patient care delivery in hospitals, hospices, clinics, and home settings. They enforce clinical policies, protocols, and regulatory standards to ensure quality care. The role requires a master's degree and extensive nursing experience.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against clinical nurse specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Clinical Nurse Specialists spend time reviewing patient cases, consulting with nursing teams on treatment approaches, and monitoring adherence to clinical protocols. They may conduct staff training, audit care practices for compliance, investigate patient outcomes, and collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams. Administrative duties include documenting processes, updating policies, and addressing staff concerns related to patient care delivery.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy solving complex healthcare problems and investigating clinical issues—traits of investigative thinkers. You also value helping others and building strong team relationships, reflecting social interests. This work suits people who combine analytical thinking with genuine concern for patient welfare and staff development.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $122,440 | $140,270 | $173,170 | 338,940 |
| Hawaii | $101,200 | $136,320 | $144,140 | 12,940 |
| Oregon | $107,220 | $129,010 | $134,420 | 39,730 |
| Washington | $103,100 | $124,200 | $134,240 | 69,260 |
| Alaska | $97,700 | $109,480 | $129,100 | 7,510 |
| New York | $94,840 | $109,440 | $129,660 | 205,810 |
| New Jersey | $99,710 | $106,500 | $127,730 | 92,680 |
| Massachusetts | $87,460 | $104,550 | $136,110 | 88,200 |
| Nevada | $86,850 | $103,670 | $120,270 | 27,070 |
| Connecticut | $86,120 | $102,740 | $121,840 | 40,110 |
| District of Columbia | $85,850 | $102,540 | $127,800 | 11,440 |
| Minnesota | $88,940 | $101,510 | $114,760 | 70,110 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (Pediatric) (CCNS-P) — American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Orthopaedic Clinical Nurse Specialist - Certified (OCNS-C) — Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board
- Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) — American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN) — American Board for Transplant Certification
- Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN) — Organization for Transplant Professionals
- Certified Nephrology Nurse - Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP) — Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against clinical nurse specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1141.04 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.