A registered nurse (RN) who has had advanced study in a specific area of nursing practice, who may identify and diagnose problems of clients, and who may function independently under standing orders.
A registered nurse with preparation in a specialized educational program. At present this preparation may be in the context of a formal continuing education program, a baccalaureate nursing program, or an advanced degree nursing program. The nurse clinician is capable of working independently in solving patient-care problems and is able to teach and work successfully with others on the medical care team. The term was first used by Frances Reiter, RN, MA, Dean, Graduate School of Nursing, New York Medical College.