Message From the Editor

For this journal issue, I wanted to share my experiences as a pediatric clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and highlight the invaluable contribution that this role brings to the field of pediatric surgical nursing. With over 8 years of experience as a CNS, I can attest to the unique and diverse nature of the role that has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge and skills and has been instrumental in my career progression. The CNS role provided the pivotal foundation for my professional growth and development. The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) describes CNSs as “advanced practice registered nurses who have graduate preparation (Master's or Doctorate) in nursing…[and] are trained in advanced physiology, pharmacology and physical assessment in addition to their particular areas of specialty. [CNSs] can diagnose, treat, prescribe and bill like other APRNs as allowed by their state regulations” (NACNS, 2023a). NACNS has developed a directory of nursing programs that offer the CNS role as a program of study (NACNS, 2023b). It is concerning that the number of pediatric CNS programs is small. If nursing schools have low enrollment numbers, they will often close programs, which has been the case for many pediatric CNS tracts across the nation. I want to use this platform to share my experiences as a CNS in pediatric surgery and shed light on this role that brought me so much joy and professional development. My hope is to inspire others to consider exploring this advanced practice option. The CNS role functions in three domains or spheres of influence in the patient, nurse, and system. The work of the CNS can be solely in one sphere or intersect in multiple spheres. I like to say that the perfect CNS role is one that works in all spheres. In 2017, I presented a conference poster at the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association conference where I shared an infographic I developed highlighting my role as a CNS in pediatric surgery (Figure 1).FIGURE 1: Pediatric general surgery clinical nurse specialist spheres of influence roles examples.During my time as a CNS, I assisted with a variety of responsibilities that facilitated throughput or improved patient outcomes. I supported the team with complex patient education, developed patient education materials for those pediatric-surgery-specific conditions, and rounded with patients who were at risk for hospital-acquired conditions such as central-line-associated blood stream infection, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and pressure injuries. I was a mentor and consultant to bedside nurses, hospital leaders, and physician partners. I led or mentored evidence-based practice projects and nursing research studies including clinical trials. In fact, as a CNS, I was the primary investigator for the first nursing-led clinical trial at my institution. That study titled, “Probiotics and Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Pediatric Complicated Appendicitis Prospective Controlled-Comparison Trial,” was recently published in this Journal. You can learn more about here (https://journals.lww.com/journalofpediatricsurgicalnursing/Abstract/9900/Probiotics_and_Antibiotic_Associated_Diarrhea_in.38.aspx). Organizationally, I attended hospital committees, including shared governance councils and hospital-acquired conditions committee meetings, and developed, updated, and published clinical policies and guidelines. I frequently collaborated with my physician colleagues to develop evidence-based guidelines to improve the care we provided to patients. In my CNS role, I also mentored team members on dissemination of work in both local and national poster and podium presentations and publication in peer-reviewed journals. It was this work that prepared me for my first peer-reviewed publication to being named the Editor in Chief for the Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing! Recently, I had the opportunity to moderate an informative session about becoming a CNS featuring current NACNS President, Dr. Mitzi Saunders. This session, available for streaming on YouTube.com, was a partnership between NACNS and the National Association of Hispanic Nurses to bring more awareness about the CNS role (National Association of Hispanic Nurses, 2023). If you have more questions about the CNS role or this editorial inspired you to explore the CNS role in pediatric surgical nursing, I would love to hear from you. The pediatric CNS role is a great option for nurses looking to expand their skill set and seek an advanced practice nursing degree.