Whereas Clinical Nurse Specialists are advanced practice registered nurses focused on the care of the patient and how best to improve quality, safety, and outcomes;

Whereas Clinical Nurse Specialists hold graduate-level education, including master’s or doctoral degrees, and are licensed and certified to provide advanced assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across a wide range of specialty populations and care settings;

Whereas the members of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists practice across the United States, providing expert clinical care, mentorship, and systems-level leadership in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and community health settings nationwide;

Whereas Clinical Nurse Specialists play a critical role in reducing hospital-acquired conditions, improving care transitions, supporting nursing workforce development, and advancing evidence-based practice;

Whereas the Clinical Nurse Specialist role has historically lacked a distinct occupational classification in Federal labor statistics, limiting the ability of policymakers, workforce planners, and researchers to accurately track and support this segment of the nursing workforce;

Whereas Clinical Nurse Specialists have demonstrated significant value in rural and underserved communities by extending access to specialized clinical expertise;

Whereas the first week of September is recognized by the nursing profession as National Clinical Nurse Specialist Week, a time to celebrate the contributions of Clinical Nurse Specialists to the health and well-being of patients, families, and communities across the United States; and

Whereas National Clinical Nurse Specialist Week provides an opportunity to raise public awareness of the Clinical Nurse Specialist role and to encourage the recruitment and retention of nurses into Clinical Nurse Specialist practice and education: Now, therefore, be it