Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares you to be an acute care clinical nurse specialist (AGACCNS) working with acute and critically ill populations across the adult lifespan in a variety of inpatient settings. As an AGACCNS you will ensure a comprehensive focus on quality nursing care and facilitate and lead initiatives that ensure quality patient outcomes.
Clinical nurse specialists integrate care across the continuum and through three spheres of influence: direct patient/client care, nurses and nursing practice, and systems and organizations. They create environments through mentoring and system changes that empower nurses to develop caring, evidence-based practices.
In your role as an AGACCNS you will be prepared to function as …
- Change agent
- Collaborator
- Clinical leader
- Educator
- Case manager
- Patient advocate
Part-Time*
Hybrid**
* Course work begins as part-time, then requires full-time commitment halfway through the program.
** 75% of didactic course work is delivered online. 25% of course work is offered in a weekly on campus format. Clinical practice sites are located in the Chicago area.
Career Options
Adult-gerontology acute care clinical nurse specialists practice in academic medical centers as well as community hospitals. They work in many settings:
- Critical care units
- Subacute settings
- Inpatient units
- Specialty practices, such as cardiology and orthopedics
In our current climate of quality and safety, this role is highly recognized for its contributions to improving patient outcomes.
Tuition Pricing
As a top ranked college of nursing, Rush programs are competitively priced on a local and national level.