Can a psychiatric/clinical nurse specialist position in your nursing department contribute to cost-effective, quality patient care? This article focuses on the potential benefits of having a qualified psychiatric/mental health clinical speciaist on staff and describes key functions including nurse-to-nurse consultation, and conflict management. The authors present a succinct picture of how psychiatric/clinical nurse specialists can contribute to cost-effective quality patient care and professional development of staff. Readers will also benefit from the insightful discussion of how to choose and work with a qualified person as well as how to evaluate performance.