The similarities and differences between advanced nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists

Abstract

A lack of awareness exists within healthcare services on the differences between the roles of advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) and clinical nurse specialist (CNS). This may lead to ambiguity in relation to the development, scope of practice and impact of these roles. The aim of this review was to compare the similarities and differences between the ANP and CNS within the research literature. Databases (CINAHL, Medline and Embase) were searched using selected search terms. This resulted in 120 articles of potential interest being identified. Following a rigorous review process for content and relevance, this was reduced to 12. Both roles are valuable and effective, predominately being clinically based with education, leadership and research components. CNS roles are specialist, ANP are more likely to be generalist. Where there is regulation and governance the role of the ANP is clearly defined and structured; however, a lack of governance and regulation is evident in many countries.