CNS vs NP?

[NICUplease]

Just wondering if anyone knows what the difference is between CNS vs NP. I'm looking more into the CNS program b/c I've heard there's more patient interaction than with a NP. I was told NP are for more diagnostic purposes. Is any of this true. I want to do something that allows me to stay with my patients. Anything helps.

[elkpark]

Glad this was helpful for you. Another thing to consider is that in some states (IL is one of them) in order to teach you must have an MSN, not an MS in Education. I have a good friend who didn't check into things thoroughly and ended up a with an MS in Education but can't teach!

Myself, I did the MSN in admin and leadership and then realized I wanted a clinical focus so did a post-MSN adult health CNS>

Good luck with your decision.

(As I read it, missKate is talking about the MSN with concentration in education, not the MEd. :))

[chicagobsn]

TraumaRUs

I am in Illinois, and am looking for a masters program. I am interested in almost all areas, but would love forensics or ER NP (Im a ER nurse). Have any opinions on the schools out here? I applied to Loyola, Rush, UIC, & Northern. Also are you finding that there is a need for a DNP or PHD in Nursing in Illinois?

Thanks!!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

UIC has a forensics certificate program (was looking online for this). Before you consider what APN route you want to follow, research what your area hospitals are hiring in their ERs. I live in central IL and because of a large ER MD residency program, few hospitals hire mid-levels. My RN experience is mostly level one trauma center and of course, the ER is where I hoped to end up. However, and I'll be blunt, the hospitals in my area can't match my salary or benefits. And...in a hospital ER, I would be working shiftwork and more weekends than I currently work.

Good luck...let us know what you choose.

[chicagobsn]

TraumaRUs,

Thank you for the input and great advice! These are things I didnt even think about. I have heard that Illinois is one of the last states to actually recognize NPs and to utilize them to their fullest potential. Have you found the same? Some ppl at work say its best to become a DNP or go get a PHD, but the DNPs are not called Dr. so-n-so they are just called by their first names. I dont do that, they deserve the title they earned, but have you encountered this to?

Thanks again

I appreciate it!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I am not a DNP or PhD and do not work with any nursing doctors at the moment. When I did my post-MSN certificate, one of the instructors held a PhD and when in a school setting I did address her as "Doctor Smith". We also worked together as staff RNs in the ER and then we were on a first name basis.

I still do miss the ER very much. However, I volunteer on my rural EMS/fire dept as a pre-hospital RN and enjoy the adrenaline rush with that - lol.

[Wanna_BA_Nurse]

Does anyone know how long it takes to be either one? Like, does one take a masters? Shorter time frame? Thanks for any answers and consideration!

[llg, PhD, RN]

Does anyone know how long it takes to be either one? Like, does one take a masters? Shorter time frame? Thanks for any answers and consideration!

At this time, both the CNS role and the NP role require at least a Master's Degree. However, there is a rapidly growing movement to require a doctoral degree (the DNP) for NP roles. It's not required yet, but it may be by the time you are at that point in your career.

[Wanna_BA_Nurse]

At this time, both the CNS role and the NP role require at least a Master's Degree. However, there is a rapidly growing movement to require a doctoral degree (the DNP) for NP roles. It's not required yet, but it may be by the time you are at that point in your career.

Shoot! I can't stay in school that long! I hope it doesn't happen...I like it at a masters degree. Well, thanks for telling me! I probably sound like a total bimbo right now so I'll shush. But seriously, thanks! :nuke:

[czyja, MSN, RN]

Shoot! I can't stay in school that long! I hope it doesn't happen...I like it at a masters degree. Well, thanks for telling me! I probably sound like a total bimbo right now so I'll shush. But seriously, thanks! :nuke:

You don't sound like a bimbo.

I wouldn't rule out anything in life. You'd be quite surprised at how fast time flies when you get busy.

[ANPFNPGNP]

I live in a state where CNS's are considered APNs and by that, they mean we have prescriptive authority and ability to bill Medicare/Medicaid. I knew this when I went into it and this is what I wanted. To be honest, I wouldn't have considered the CNS unless it had prescriptive authority and the ability to order tests, interpret the results, diagnose and treat.

I appreciate the info in the way things were originally.

Can you also be credentialed with insurance companies, i.e., BCBS, Humana, etc? Unfortunately, when it comes to job opportunities, it only matters if you can bill for your services.

[ricknick92]

I have just finished my masters and am a CNS. The college I attended also had an NP program (which is what I thought I wanted when I started). The further I got in the program, the more I knew I wanted to be a CNS. I did clinicals with NPs and their role is very patient oriented from what I see. They both worked in hospitals and had their own patient loads like resident physicians. They were responsible for all the care the patient received while hospitalizd. For me, the CNS role was the right one because I wanted to be an educator and was a bit ambivalent about the responsibilities of the NP role. Here in NY the CNS cannot prescribe and their role is more education/research/change agent.I hope this was helpful.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Yes, my services can be billed to SOME insurances: BC/BS for one...that is the biggie here in IL.