How to become a clinical specialist nurse

$97,550 median annual pay

Half of the people in this job earn more than the median and half earn less. Pay varies with location, industry and experience.

Median pay for Registered Nurses, BLS, May 2025.

A person in this job directs nursing staff as they provide patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. This person also makes sure that established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards are followed.

• Provide direct and indirect specialty care to inpatients and outpatients.
• Work with other health care professionals and service providers to ensure optimal patient care.
• Keep up with nursing developments through reading, colleagues, professional organizations, or conferences.
• Maintain department policies, procedures, objectives, and infection control standards.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate nursing practice standards in the specialty area.
• Teach nursing staff to assess, develop, implement, and evaluate disability, illness, management, technology, or resources.

Start with an entry exam, then add more as your role grows.

1. 1

   Entry

   For people just starting out.

   • ATI ATI TEAS TEAS exam prep 490 practice questions →
   • NCSBN National Council Licensure Examination - NCLEX-RN NCLEX-RN exam prep 860 practice questions →
2. 2

   Intermediate

   For people with some hands-on experience.

   • AACN CCRN (Adult) - Direct Care Eligibility Pathway CCRN exam prep 150 practice questions →