CNS or RN degree? - Advice needed!

There's a new television show on where there's a master's degree prepared nurse (who has no experience) working with the experienced. without a master's degree, nurses. I have to chuckle when I see her worrying that she doesn't know things, and falling apart over things the other nurses can handle easily. I can't remember the name of the show, but I think the situation fits in with what you're asking about. It just takes time to know how to do things!

Is it a CNS or a CNL degree? There is a Clinical Nurse LEADER program out there too. If you have no experience as an RN, even WITH a CNS degree one would probably have a tough time getting a position as a CNS.

trauma, I fully realize you didn't mean anything derogatory but, as an old-school CNS, I feel the need to point out that a lot of us feel that the CNS role is the true advanced practice nursing role, and the NP role is more "medicine lite." I'm always bothered by statements that suggest that "advanced practice" equals "writing scrips." As a psych CNS, I have "seen" and "treated" clients for years, without writing scrips. I've never had prescriptive authority (although I've practiced in states where I could have gotten it), don't want it, and wouldn't take it if you tried to give it to me -- and I assure you my direct care, hands-on clinical practice is definitely "advanced," by the standards and definitions of the larger nursing community. Lots of CNSs work in direct client care; remember, the "C" in CNS stands for "clinical" -- we are clinical experts in our specialty.

I'm aware that there is a movement in some areas to redefine "advanced practice nursing" as only including nurses with prescriptive authority, and I'm v. offended by that. I'm also unhappy, personally, about the recent and increasing blurring of the CNS and NP roles/practices, and think that is a significant loss for nursing. I don't mean to suggest that the CNS role is better or more important that the other advanced practice roles -- I just hate to see us get "demoted," even if it's only in a passing comment, and I try to always speak up.

I sincerely apologize Elkpark - you are right - I meant no offense at all!

No need to apologize -- as I said, I realize you didn't mean any harm or offense. I just always try to speak up for the CNS role, esp. when a comment is made that could be misinterpreted by people who are just working on figuring all this stuff out.