CNS or NP with cardiac specialty?

Good question. I would think your nurse practice act would outline that. Plus, you need to decide what type of role you want: do you want to see pts, eval, treat, prescribe or do you want to oversee their care involving education, case management?

In some states there is no difference in nurse practice act between CNS and NP. I live in IL and am an adult health CNS - I see, treat, prescribe, order tests, evaluate results just as the NPs do. However, if I were to practice in MO, CNS's do not prescribe or treat pts, they more oversee care.