• Kathleen M Baldwin, Brenda L Lyon, Angela P Clark, Janet Fulton, Sue Davidson, and Nancy Dayhoff.
• Texas Christian University College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA. k.baldwin@tcu.edu
• Clin Nurse Spec. 2007 Nov 1; 21 (6): 297-303.

BackgroundIn 1998, the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialist (NACNS) developed the first ever core competencies for clinical nurse specialist (CNS) practice.PurposeThis article describes the method used to develop, validate, and revise CNS core practice competencies.MethodsThe stepwise method of identifying core CNS competencies included content analysis of CNS position/job descriptions, extensive literature review, development by role experts, first-tier corroboration, second-tier corroboration encompassing stakeholder review, final review/editing, approval by the board of directors, and dissemination.DiscussionThe process used by professional organizations to develop competencies and standards varies; however, it should be transparent and consist of adequate review and validation for accuracy and applicability by members of the representative group for whom the standards and competencies apply.ConclusionsThe stepwise method used by the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialist generated valid CNS core competencies and may be instructive to professional organizations interested in developing competencies and standards.

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