UURIMISTÖÖDE ARTIKLID
KLIINILISE ÕDE-SPETSIALISTI ROLL JA PÄDEVUSED The role and competencies of a clinical nurse specialist Maarja-Liisa Kapaun (Kesküla), Eve-Merike Sooväli
Abstract The competencies of Estonian clinical nurse specialists have not yet been determined. The determination would help to improve the quality and availability of Estonian healthcare services. It would also help to make sure these services are up to date, safe for patients and meet the needs of patients and their families. The aim of this study was to describe the role and competencies of different clinical nurse specialists in Europe. This study is a literature review that is based on research articles, frameworks and guidelines written in different European countries. Based on the gathered data it was possible to bring out the main objectives of the role of the clinical nurse specialist with the competencies needed to fulfil the tasks. According to the literature, clinical nurse specialists have the skills to evaluate and monitor the health condition of patients both in the hospital environment and during follow-up visits. They may take full responsibility for their caseload and make individual decisions within the limits of local legislation. The importance of their role as a member of a multidisciplinary team and also as a provider of patient-safety and patient-centred care was pointed out. They also have the competence to teach patients, colleague nurses and other multidisciplinary team members, if needed. By taking the leader’s position and carrying out research clinical nurse specialists help to increase the quality of healthcare. Keywords: clinical nurse specialist, role, competencies. 191
