Role transition from staff nurse to clinical nurse specialist: a case study

Over the last decade, nursing in the United Kingdom has witnessed a major development and expansion in the number of Clinical Nurse Specialists. These nurses are considered to be experts in their own specialities, have in-depth knowledge and provide a service for patients, relatives and staff. There is, however, a paucity of literature relating to role transition from experienced Staff Nurse to Clinical Nurse Specialist. Using Nicholson's (1984) model of work-role transition and Wanous' (1992) four-stage model of organizational socialization, this study explores the transition of two nurses from experienced Staff Nurses to novice Clinical Nurse Specialists.