The CNS role, in some States and Territories, requires
the applicant to demonstrate that they have a postgraduate
qualification, 12 months experience working in the
clinical area of postgraduate qualification, and responsibility
for clinical nursing duties; or a minimum of 4 years
post registration experience, including 3 years’ experience
in the relevant specialist field (New South Wales
Government, 2011; Victorian State Government, 2007).
This further demonstrates the advanced knowledge and
skill required by the CNS in practice through application
of knowledge and experience but within the registered
nurse scope of practice, as opposed to an extended scope
of practice. Advanced nursing practice is different from
an advanced scope of practice, as seen in advanced practice
nursing. The advanced in advanced nursing practice
refers to practice not scope.
Internationally, the International Council of Nurses
(ICN) definition of advanced nursing practice clarifies
that postgraduate nursing education is required to undertake
a role described as an advanced practice role.
While a master’s degree is recommended to enter this
level of practice, as a result of international disparity in
the availability of access to master’s programs, it is not
stipulated (Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nurse
Network, 2009).