The 17th Annual Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Recognition Week is September 1–7, 2026. This year’s theme, “Amplify,” mirrors the NACNS 2027 Annual Conference focus and reflects a bold call to elevate the voice, value, and visibility of CNSs and the essential role they play in advancing healthcare.

Whether you’re a CNS, a colleague, or a supporter, this is the time to celebrate the nearly 90,000 CNSs whose expertise touches every corner of health care.

What is CNS Week?

Every September 1–7, hospitals, health systems, and communities across the country join in honoring CNSs — advanced practice registered nurses who blend clinical expertise, leadership, and evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and strengthen health systems.

For CNSs, it’s a chance to reflect on your impact, share your successes, and inspire the next generation. For those considering the CNS role, it’s an open invitation to explore a career dedicated to improving care quality, advancing nursing practice, and leading innovation.

History of CNS Week

NACNS created National CNS Recognition Week in 2009 to honor the birth of Hildegard Peplau (September 1, 1909), a visionary nursing theorist whose work on the nurse–patient relationship reshaped health care. Her seminal text, Interpersonal Relations in Nursing, still informs CNS practice today, particularly in fostering trust, communication, and collaborative care. You can learn more about Hildegard Pepleau in this article >

How is NACNS Celebrating?

Throughout the week, NACNS will spotlight CNSs driving change and share resources to help amplify your impact.

Highlights include:

• A Town Hall with the NACNS President, Jackie Iseler
• Daily inspiration via social media
• Special resources to help you share your pride in the CNS role

How Can You Get Involved?

• Download the Celebration Toolkit and access everything you need to amplify CNS Week, including customizable graphics, sample messaging, social media resources, and celebration ideas.
• Share your CNS pride! Create a short video telling us why you love being a CNS and why it matters. Share it during CNS Week on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram using #CNSWeek and tagging NACNS.
• Help Amplify CNS Week. Check out our Buzz Kit for ready-made content and graphics to make sharing easy.
• Represent NACNS in style! Visit the NACNS Shop on CafePress to shop branded favorites—t-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, lunch bags, and more.
• Update Your Email Signature. Example: “September 1–7 is National CNS Recognition Week! This year’s theme is “Amplify.” Learn more at nacns.org.”
• Register for our Town Hall. Join us on September 2 at 2 PM ET, for our annual Town Hall hosted by NACNS President Jackie Iseler. Register here.
• Host a “Meet the CNS” Event. Offer open office hours or lunch-and-learn sessions so colleagues can learn how CNSs improve patient care.
• Talk to Students. Partner with nursing schools to offer shadowing opportunities during CNS Week, giving students a firsthand look at the role.
• Bring CNS Week to the Boardroom. Ask leadership to include CNS recognition in staff meetings, newsletters, or intranet announcements.
• Collaborate with Other Departments. Co-host a patient safety or quality improvement event with interprofessional colleagues to showcase teamwork in action.
• Become a Member. Joining NACNS strengthens the profession and connects you with other CNSs shaping the future of health care.