The oncology clinical nurse specialist in a post-master's nurse practitioner program: a personal and professional journey.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To examine the evolution of the advanced practice role in oncology nursing and the authors' educational experiences and role transitions as they progressed through a post-master's nurse practitioner (NP) certificate program.

DATA SOURCES

Professional literature and personal experiences of two experienced oncology clinical nurse specialists (CNSs).

DATA SYNTHESIS

Despite historical differences between CNS and NP roles, the authors did not subtract or detract from their CNS roles but added new skills to their established roles.

CONCLUSIONS

Skills that define both the NP and CNS roles must be maintained to effectively meet the current healthcare needs of patients with cancer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Many CNSs are returning to school to obtain their NP credentials. Although assimilating new skills and knowledge into an already established professional identity was a challenging undertaking, the authors viewed the experience as essential in preparing them to meet the demands of the changing healthcare environment.