CNSs are one of four categories of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) as identified by the APRN Consensus Model, National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), State Boards of Nursing, American Nurses Association (ANA) and International Council of Nurses (ICN). The role of a CNS provides leadership and clinical expertise within the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) spheres of impact by utilizing unique and advanced level competencies.