Welcome, New CNS Candidates, to the Susan Testa Nutrition Independent Client Practice Orientation.  We are excited to begin working with you and cannot wait to support you throughout your SPE journey in clinical practice!  An orientation before a CNS candidate begins client-facing clinical practice is not just helpful—it’s essential for safety, consistency, and clinical readiness.

Here's a breakdown of what our Orientation Session offers:

• Getting to know you! (previous clinical experience, and SPE hours you may have obtained already, and more)

• Understand the resources and time you can provide in your current lifestyle

• Confirming your state regulations and supervisor credentials to ensure we are fulfilling your SPE appropriately

• Overview of a CNS candidate's role, responsibilities, and scope of practice throughout their SPE

• Overview of the BCNS SPE client practice competency requirements 

• Learn what client-related experiences qualify as SPE hours, how to diversify your experiences, and how to log & report your hours

• Identify a client marketing & recruiting plan that makes sense for you

• Learn the proper intake, documentation, and HIPAA compliance protocol: receive the essential client paperwork and guidance on affordable legal coverage, tools, and platforms that are necessary in clinical practice

• Identify a clinical practice model & fee structure in your state that is appropriate

• Introduce supervision-mentoring structure

• Ultimately, this orientation will build your clinical practice confidence, reduce early clinical practice errors, and improve overall internship quality!