The essential roles of the CNS: expert clinician, interdisciplinary consultant, educator, researcher, and leader help to: Provide direct patient and family care, Direct specialty knowledge and skill acquisition, Shape core competencies of clinical practice, Promote evidence-based outcome-guided nursing care, Integrate quality patient care across SHC practice sites, Promote promoting an environment of mentoring and system change that empower the nurse to experience professional growth and development. Working across the patient, nursing practice, and organizational spheres, the CNS promotes evidence-based care, drives quality and performance improvement initiatives, mentors nursing staff, and facilitates system-wide change to enhance the delivery of safe, high-quality care across Stanford Health Care.