Abstract:
Objective:
The roles of clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and
registered nurses, while similar, should also be quite
different, with the CNS functioning as an advanced
practice nurse. Differences in roles can be partially
explained and understood by examining the use of
their time. Adjustments to skill mix usually involve
using more plentiful but less-skilled workers, and
there Is a growing body of overseas research in this
field. In contrast, little research has examined and
compared the use of nursing time for the RN and CNS
role, particularly in an Australian context. Comparing
work activities enables employers to begin to answer
the question: Are skilled nursing personnel being used
effectively and efficiently?
Design:
A work-sampling study conducted over eight weeks.
Data were analysed descriptively using SPSS, v.9.
Setting:
Six wards in a large private not-for-profit hospital.
Main outcome measure:
To determine whether there is a differentiation in the
roles of CNS and RN by examining the percentage of
time spent in 25 specific activities.
Results:
In some activities it is not possible to distinguish
differences in the amount of time spent by RNs and
CNSs. In other activities such as clerical. meetings and
administration, CNSs are spending more time than
anticipated. Consideration needs to be given to
employing clerical staff to relieve the CNS of these
non-clinlcal aspects.
Conclusion:
The study extends the understanding of the roles of
registered nurses and clinical nurse specialists and
provides a basis on which to begin to understand
similarities and differences in their roles.
