National Validation of the NACNS Clinical Nurse Specialist Core Competencies

Purpose: To validate the 75 core National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists' (NACNS) clinical nurse specialist (CNS) competencies among practicing CNSs. Specific aims were to (a) determine the extent to which 75 core CNS competencies were used in current CNS practice, (b) determine the importance of those competencies to practicing CNSs, and (c) identify gaps between CNS core competencies and role expectations in current practice.
Design: A survey design was used with both paper-and-pencil and online instruments. The survey included 150 items and three open-ended questions.
Methods: A convenience sampling method was used, which targeted practicing CNSs.
Findings: Respondents ( N =505) were practicing CNSs who entered the field as RNs between 1956 and 2006. The survey had a high degree of internal consistency reliability (0.967%) between the subscales. The 75 NACNS core competencies were found to be useful and important for CNSs. A few gaps were identified between CNS core competencies and CNS role expectations in current practice.
Conclusions: No one method for validating competencies will be satisfactory for all situations; however, the processes and methods used in this study were well suited to accomplish the goal of validating CNS core competencies. The process described here may be instructive to leaders of other national and international professional organizations interested in developing and evaluating competencies. Core competencies are useful and important to currently practicing CNSs.
Clinical Relevance: The CNS role is growing internationally. Core CNS competencies can be a framework for CNS role development, education, and practice. As described here, a competency validation survey is one way to assure that CNSs are meeting healthcare needs.     

Measurement of cognitive function in chronic heart failure: a feasibility study

Assessment of cognition is critical to providing optimal care to individuals with heart failure. Traditional neuropsychological batteries are time consuming. This pilot study obtained feasibility data for a brief neuropsychological battery. Mean administration time was 40 ± 7.5 minutes, averting subject fatigue, and the battery was sensitive to cognitive impairments.     

Risk and Preventive Factors for Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease Among Foreign-Born Older Vietnamese Americans

The 2009 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data was used to examine associations of bodyweight, lifestyles, and demographic variables with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and heart disease among foreign-born older Vietnamese adults. CHIS consisted of 709 Vietnamese Americans aged 50 to 85. Thirteen percent reported T2DM and 11% had heart disease. Using logistic regression, body mass index ≥ 24, age ≥ 65, and female were significantly associated with T2DM. There was significant interaction effect of alcohol consumption and psychological distress with T2DM. The interaction of vegetable consumption, poverty, and length of living in the U.S. was significantly associated with heart disease.