Advanced practice as a CNS involves practicing nursing within the three spheres of influence (patient, nurse, organization system) in order to operationalize five CNS role components: expert practitioner, educator, consultant, researcher and clinical leader. As expert practitioner, CNSs provide direct and indirect care to specialized populations. As educators, CNSs teach patients, families, staff nurses, students, and communities regarding health. As consultants, CNSs assist with problem solving regarding patient care including facilitating support groups and establishing health care programs. CNSs also assist with research and promote research dissemination and evidence-based practice in the practice arena. As clinical leaders, CNSs are responsible for program development, quality improvement processes, and managerial operation and activities.

CNS students at USD are able to focus in different areas of adult-health such as critical care, emergency, medical-surgical and palliative care.? In addition, students may take elective courses in nursing education theory and teaching practicum as well as health care informatics.

Graduates are eligible for certification as Clinical Nurse Specialists in the State of California and for national certification by as Adult Health/ Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialists by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).