CNS practice in neurosurgery.

The roles and responsibilities of a neurosurgical clinical nurse specialist are described in relation to the five traditional roles (clinician, educator, consultant, coordinator, and researcher). These roles are referred to in relation to a CNS practicing in an expanded role in a neurosurgery department. The primary role and major impact of the CNS are to augment patient care delivery through communication and coordination of physician and nursing services. This augmentation is achieved through accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of the CNS functioning in all five roles.