Outcomes and challenges of successful clinical nurse specialist role implementation: Participatory action research

AIM: To describe the clinical nurse specialist role and its outcomes and challenges. DESIGN: Participatory Action Research conducted in Finland between the fall of 2017 and the end of 2018. METHODS: A core participatory action research team (n = 10) led the design, implementation and evaluation of the research. Multiple data collection methods were used. The study is reported using the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) guidelines for participatory action research. RESULTS: The clinical nurse specialist used most of the time in clinical patient care followed by clinical nursing leadership and scholarship activities. Outcomes of successful implementation led to increased visibility of nursing expertise, development, integration and quality assurance of nursing processes and practice, and promotion of knowledge translation and unit and collaborator cooperation. Furthermore, role challenges were also recognized.