Best Clinical Nurse Specialists in Durham

Introduction to Clinical Nurse Specialists in Durham

Definition and Role of Clinical Nurse Specialists

Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice registered nurses who have acquired expert knowledge and skills in a specialized area of nursing practice. They play a significant role in healthcare by providing expert care, implementing evidence-based practices, and contributing to improved patient outcomes.

In Durham, CNSs are valuable members of the healthcare community, offering specialized care across various domains such as adult health, neonatal care, and psychiatric nursing, as evidenced by the profiles of Whitney Molasky, Laurie Russo, and Trina Powell respectively.

Overview of Clinical Nurse Specialists in Durham

Durham, North Carolina, is known for its robust healthcare system, anchored by prestigious institutions like Duke University Health System. The city offers a diverse range of healthcare providers, including highly qualified Clinical Nurse Specialists who contribute to the quality of patient care.

Selecting the appropriate Clinical Nurse Specialist is an important decision that can significantly impact your healthcare experience. The right CNS can provide specialized care tailored to your specific needs, offer expert guidance, and serve as a valuable resource in managing your health. As we examine the profiles of CNSs in Durham, such as Alicia Gonzalez, who has a high star rating of 4.7, we see the potential for high-quality, specialized care available in the area.

Navigating the Selection Process for Clinical Nurse Specialists in Durham

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Clinical Nurse Specialist

Specializations and areas of expertise

• Review the specific focus areas within Clinical Nurse Specialist practice
• Consider how the specialization aligns with your health needs

Educational background and certifications

• Examine the nurse's educational history, such as degrees from UNC Greensboro or Duke University
• Look for any additional certifications or specialized training

Patient reviews and ratings

• Check available star ratings, like Alicia Gonzalez's 4.7-star rating
• Read patient reviews to gauge satisfaction and quality of care

Language proficiency and communication skills

• Consider language needs, noting providers like Alicia Gonzalez who speak both English and Spanish
• Assess the importance of clear communication in your care

Resources for Researching Clinical Nurse Specialists

Online directories and healthcare provider websites

• Utilize platforms like Healthgrades to find detailed provider information
• Visit official hospital or clinic websites for affiliated Clinical Nurse Specialists

Patient review platforms and rating systems

• Explore patient feedback on various healthcare review websites
• Consider the overall consensus from multiple reviews

Recommendations from primary care physicians or specialists

• Consult with your current healthcare providers for referrals
• Ask about their experiences working with specific Clinical Nurse Specialists in Durham

Top-Ranked Clinical Nurse Specialists in Durham

Alicia Gonzalez, MSN

Specializations and Rating

• Dual specialization in Psychotherapy and Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Impressive 4.7-star rating based on 3 patient reviews

Education and Language Skills

• Educational background: UNC Greensboro (1982) and Duke University (1977)
• Bilingual: Proficient in English and Spanish

Whitney Molasky, MSN

Specializations and Contact Information

• Expertise in Adult Health Nursing as a Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Contact number: (919) 684-1886

Laurie Russo, NNP

Areas of Expertise

• Specializes in Neonatal Nursing and Clinical Nurse Specialist roles
• Contact number: (919) 970-0959

Trina Powell, PA

Specializations and Contact Information

• Dual expertise in Psychiatric Nursing and Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Contact number: (919) 401-6212

Additional Tips for Selecting the Right Clinical Nurse Specialist

Preparing for Your Initial Consultation

List of questions to ask during the first meeting

• Inquire about their experience with your specific health concerns
• Ask about their approach to treatment and care plans
• Discuss their availability and communication methods

Important documents to bring to your appointment

• Medical history records
• List of current medications
• Recent test results or imaging reports

Understanding Insurance Coverage and Payment Options

Verifying insurance acceptance with the provider's office

• Contact the Clinical Nurse Specialist's office to confirm accepted insurance plans
• Understand any out-of-pocket costs or copayments

Inquiring about payment plans or sliding scale fees, if applicable

• Ask about options for uninsured or underinsured patients
• Discuss potential financial assistance programs

Evaluating the Clinical Nurse Specialist's Approach to Care

Assessing communication style and patient-provider relationship

• Consider the provider's listening skills and empathy
• Evaluate their ability to explain complex medical information clearly

Understanding their collaboration with other healthcare professionals

• Inquire about their network of referring physicians and specialists
• Ask about their experience working in multidisciplinary teams