The clinical nurse specialist (CNS) tool is part of a suite of tools. These tools are available to help NHS Scotland services plan the number of staff they need.
The tool
The CNS tool is used by registered nurses who practice at an advance level. This tool covers a variety of specialties including:
- asthma
- cancer
- midwifery
This tool provides information based on workload data.
Each individual within a team enters their workload information into the tool daily.
The tool collects workload information on:
- direct interventions
- clinics
- associated workload
- travel
This information provides a workload profile via BOXI report.
The CNS tool does not currently provide staffing recommendations in whole time equivalents (WTE).
The aim of this is to support the development of a national multiplier. This will provide a recommended WTE, informing appropriate staffing levels.
How to use this tool
Use this tool alongside the Professional judgement (PJ) tool and the Quality tool.
The current national recommendation is to run the tools for a two-week period, at least once per year.
Use the data capture template from the table below to record answers. This data can then be uploaded onto the SSTS platform.
Use the outputs from the tools, as part of the Common Staffing Method (CSM), to inform safe and effective staffing for your service
The following video guides and documents provide information on completing the CNS Tool. They provide detailed information from how to log in to how to gather and submit data.
Resources to support you
| Resource | Source | What it is and what it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Resource | Source Healthcare Improvement Scotland | What it is and what it’s for Step by step guide to background of CNS Tool and data collection |
| Resource | Source Healthcare Improvement Scotland | What it is and what it’s for Step by step guide to uploading data onto SSTS platform |
| Resource Clinical nurse specialist user guide (PDF, 3980K) | Source Healthcare Improvement Scotland | What it is and what it’s for User guide on using the CNS tool |
| Resource Clinical nurse specialist data capture template (PDF, 446K) | Source Healthcare Improvement Scotland | What it is and what it’s for Printable data capture template |
| Resource | Source TURAS | What it is and what it’s for A variety of learning resources to support understanding workload and workforce planning and the application of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019. |
| Resource | Source Healthcare Improvement Scotland | What it is and what it’s for Printable checklist to aid tool run preparation and delivery |