Clinical Nurse Specialist
Association of British Columbia
We bring CNSs and nurse leaders together to learn, lead, and advocate for better patient and system outcomes across BC.
Advanced Practice
Driving innovation in complex care settings.
41,000+ RNs
Yet only ~100 CNSs. We are a powerful force.
System Outcomes
Leading quality improvement and strengthening system performance.
* Open to Clinical Nurse Specialists, aspiring CNS, academic partners, and healthcare leaders who champion the role.
Who We Serve
Practising CNSs
Practising CNSs across specialties who want connection, advocacy, and professional development.
Aspiring CNSs
Nurses exploring the CNS role, graduate education, and pathways into advanced practice.
Health Leaders
Leaders and educators who collaborate with CNSs to improve patient, workforce, and system outcomes.
Why Clinical Nurse Specialists are vital to BC’s health system.
BC has more than 41,000 registered nurses, yet only around 100 Clinical Nurse Specialists.
CNSs are a small but powerful group,
driving innovation, quality, and equity across care settings.
Expert Clinical Leadership
Graduate-prepared nurses assessing and coordinating care for patients with the most complex needs.
Better Outcomes
We lead quality improvement and system safety implementations.
Education & Mentoring
Coaching interprofessional teams and designing education so all clinicians can deliver exceptional care.
Research & Knowledge Translation
Integrating research into practice and advancing nursing science that drives innovation in patient care.
"Our work may be behind the scenes, but our impact is felt at the bedside, in boardrooms, and across BC’s health system."
What you gain as a
CNSABC Member
CNSABC exists to make the CNS role visible, supported, and sustainable. Membership connects you to a community that understands advanced practice nursing.
Professional Community
Share case experiences and problem-solve system issues together.
Advocacy & Visibility
Influence policy recommendations and raise the profile of CNS practice.
Leadership Opportunities
Contribute to working groups and support CNS-led research.
Education & Events
Attend webinars, general meetings, and specialty conferences focused on CNS-led innovation, cultural safety, and system change.
Upcoming sessions
CNSABC hosts regular general meetings and education sessions featuring CNS leaders.
CNS in the Spotlight
Leading change in
Aging in Place
CNSABC member Kathy Le, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Medicine Older Adult, authored a June 2025 issues brief calling for person-centred, culturally safe approaches that allow older adults to live independently.