CNS vs. CNL

Go to www.aacn.nche.edu/cnl/CNLgeneric.ppt.
or the AACN website.
Generally a CNL is a RN with a Master degree. perform the same role as a bedside nurse but with more emphasis on evidence based practice in the care of patient.
CNS is a Specialist.

I'm currently in a CNL program, and there's a little more to it than that. In addition to performing bedside duties, a CNL is responsible for an entire group of patients (a single unit, floor, etc). They look at nursing on the unit from a systems level and determine what changes can be made to improve patient outcomes, using evidence-based criteria for doing so. That may not be how the role is actually implemented everywhere, but that's how it was designed, and that's what we're being taught to do (or rather they're starting to get us thinking about things from a systems-level; I'm still in the pre-licensure component of my program. I just started my first med-surg rotation last week- I'm so excited!).

My own take on this is that a CNS can also be an advanced practice nurse while a CNL can not.

However, have you considered NNP?

CNSs are advanced practice nurses who are experts in a specific clinical specialty (e.g., I'm a child psych CNS). CNLs are Master's-prepared generalists who are not advanced practice nurses.

Interesting question. I have a master's degree in nursing and I have worked in serveral areas. Does that make me a CNL? I guess I would want to know if the CNL is some sort of designation or certification. What kind of testing is required. Also I am interested in becoming a CNS but not sure in what area and don't know how long you need to have worked in a particular to become a CNS.

In order to take the CNS exam you have to complete a CNS program. I had an MSN in management and leadership, then did a post-MSN certificate for adult health CNS, then did another post-MSN certificate for peds CNS.

There is an exam and national certification for CNLs, but I don't know what the specific requirements are to be eligible. As trauma noted, in order to be eligible for certification as a CNS, you have to have completed an MSN program (or post-Master's certificate) that specifically prepared you as a CNS in your particular specialty.

As Elkpark mentioned, there is a national certification examination for CNLs. This exam is administered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

To be eligible to sit for the CNL Certification exam, you need to have graduated from a CNL program -- or be teaching in an existing CNL program.

[QUOTE=BittyBabyRN;4021841]I know that this may be addressed in another thread, but if someone could either answer my question, or direct me to an answer, I would appreciate it.

I know that a CNL is more of a generalist than a CNS, but what does this really mean? I know that in CNL training, in obtaining your MSN, you still have clinical rotations, and become an "expert" in a field.... but currently I work as an RN in a level III NICU, and would preferably stay with babies, or at the least, pediatrics. I feel that the program offered close to me that offers training to become a CNL is better for me due to the length, and online options, but I am unsure if the degree itself would be better as CNS or a CNL?

SOOOOO

My main question is: What in the world is the real difference between a CNS and a CNL?

Thanks!
Amanda[/QUOTE
I am in my last semester of the CNL program. Here is a comparison table from the AACN to explain the difference.