Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification Review

Book Preface

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) play a critical role in ensur-ing the implementation of high-quality evidence-based care, improved patient outcomes, and reduced healthcare delivery costs. Professional certification is one way we distinguish our unique contributions and advanced practice nursing exper-tise from other advanced practice roles. This first edition of Adult- Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification Review represents a compilation of CNS practice knowledge contributed by respected clinicians from across the nation for certification examination preparation. Successful certification examination performance is an important factor for employment opportunity as well an essential practice requirement in most states.

GOALS OF THIS BOOK

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification Review was designed to provide a current, comprehensive study guide for CNS program graduates preparing for the Adult- Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) certification exam. This book provides one source for test review and practice based upon the most current National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) Core Competencies (NACNS; 2019) and both the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Adult-Geron-tology CNS certification examinations test plan content. Ad-ditionally, the book incorporates content from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Population Focused Competencies and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses Scope and Stan-dards for Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice.

ORGANIZATION OF THE CONTENT

The book begins with an introduction to the current AGCNS examination options, test plans and processes, as well as test- taking strategies for success. The remainder of the book orga-nizes test plan subject matter according to the three spheres of impact of CNS practice.

Section I: Patient Direct Care
The first section of the book includes 16 chapters presenting the overview, pathophysiology, etiology, assessment, diagnosis, treatment/management, and related pharmacology content ac-cording to each body system. This section also contains chapters on advanced health assessment, diagnostic and clinical reason-ing, pharmacology principles, and substance use and addiction.

Section II: Nurses and Nursing Practice
The second section of the book addresses the nurse and nursing practice sphere of impact. Relevant content includes age-related response to illness and adult-gerontology-population-specific practice standards for care and advocacy of the older adult. Em-phasis is placed upon culturally competent care and safe care transitions. Nursing practice content includes consultation, col-laboration, education, mentoring, and communication skills. Nurse and nursing practice advocacy topics review public pol-icy, professional practice issues, and ethical concerns.

Section III: Organizations and Systems
The third section of the book covers systems and systems leader-ship competencies of the CNS. Relevant content involves quality improvement principles, safety initiatives, financial stewardship, organizational level program development, and systems change. Clinical inquiry subject matter covers evidence-based practice, research methodology, and skills for dissemination of CNS work.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification Re-view is the first of its kind to be edited and authored entirely by qualified CNS practitioners and educators with demon-strated expertise in their respective content areas. The con-tributing authors hail from prestigious institutions and associations in 22 states across the United States. Content is thorough yet concise with formatting conducive to targeted, systematic review and retention of information. The book contains end-of-chapter practice questions with rationale as well as access to an online practice exam with appropriately weighted content areas.
Amy C. Shay and Jan Powers
*All content in this book is designed for certification examina-tion review purposes only. This content is not intended for use in clinical practice.