The specific aim of this investigation was to document the perceptions of the CNS role and the factors influencing the role. The Clifford Clinical Specialist Functions Inventory was used to survey staff nurses at two affiliated medical centers. A 38% response rate was obtained. A total of 636 surveys were returned. Analysis of the data indicated: the CNS was perceived as valuable; physical presence of the CNS on the nursing unit enhanced role enactment; and a list of CNS role expectations could be developed based on perceptions of staff nurses. The results indicated that perceptions of the CNS role did not vary among staff nurses at the two medical centers.