A clinical nurse specialist is an advanced practice nurse whoholds a master’s or doctoral degree in a specialized area ofnursing practice. Their area of expertise may be in pediatrics,geriatrics, women’s health, critical care, emergency room,psychiatric, rehabilitation, pain, wounds or stress. While atypical registered nurse is only responsible for helping patientsprevent or resolve an illness, a clinical nurse specialist is astep above. A CNS will actually diagnose patients.Job DescriptionA clinical nurse specialist can work in a wide variety ofmedical facilities and environments. A CNS could fall into fivedifferent categories: teaching, research, clinical practice,consulting, and management. A CNS should expect to have a lot ofdemand brought upon them when working in a medical facility.