* * *  2026 - Celebrating 20 Years as an Affiliate  * * *

Welcome to the WIACNS Website

The Wisconsin Association of Clinical Nurse Specialist (WIACNS) is an affiliate of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS).

WIACNS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the growth of the profession, practice, and contribution of current and future Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs).

What is a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)?

A CNS is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) prepared by a master’s, doctoral, or post-graduate certificate level CNS program.

CNSs diagnose, prescribe, and treat patients and specialty populations across the continuum of care.

The CNS improves outcomes by providing direct patient care, leading evidence-based practice, optimizing organizational systems, and advancing nursing practice.