Growing Your Own: A Clinical Nurse Specialist Development Toolkit for Healthcare Leaders

Authors

Lynn D. Mohr, Rush University, Chicago, IL
Jan Powers, Parkview Health System, Fort Wayne, IN
Karrie Boss, Summa Health, Akron, OH
Shauna P. Schad, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Katrina Fetter, WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, Ephrata, PA
Maria Cristina Gallup, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Teri Mandrak, St. Luke's Health System, Boise, Idaho
Patricia K. Tuite, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Jennifer M. Manning, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Brandee Wornhoff, Hendricks Regional Health, Danville, IN

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-6-2026

Publication Title

Journal of Nursing Administration

Abstract

The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) developed a comprehensive toolkit for implementing "Grow your Own" Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) programs. The toolkit addresses the critical shortage of CNSs by providing healthcare leaders with practical resources for internal talent development. Implementation examples demonstrate significant returns on investment through cost avoidance and quality improvements. The guide offers a sustainable solution for healthcare organizations facing CNS recruitment challenges while promoting professional advancement opportunities.

First Page

97

Last Page

103

PubMed ID

41568838

Volume

56

Issue

2

Rights

Copyright © 2026 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Recommended Citation

Mohr, Lynn D.; Powers, Jan; Boss, Karrie; Schad, Shauna P.; Fetter, Katrina; Gallup, Maria Cristina; Mandrak, Teri; Tuite, Patricia K.; Manning, Jennifer M.; and Wornhoff, Brandee, "Growing Your Own: A Clinical Nurse Specialist Development Toolkit for Healthcare Leaders" (2026). School of Nursing Faculty Publications. 103.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/son_facpubs/103
10.1097/NNA.0000000000001687