The evolving role of the community nurse specialist in palliative care.

The community clinical nurse specialist in palliative care role has evolved in an uncoordinated manner resulting in a variety of grades of nurse with differing role expectations. In general the CNS role consists of a clinical, educational, strategic and managerial remit. The reality of working with such a diverse role creates tension and conflict for the CNS between personal, organization and practical expectations. Despite this the community palliative care CNS is central to the future development of palliative care services in the community generating a culture of sharing knowledge and expertise. This will however require further investigation into the impact these demands will have on the individual.