Different roles for CNS's??? Come on guys share what you do!

I am a CNS and most physicians I know look as CNS as an educator or researcher. I work for a doctor and function as an NP (diagnosis, prescribe, bill etc). The doctor who hired me knew that I was an ANP and did not care what if I was a CNS, NP, or PA...as long as I know my stuff and able to bill..I was happy that she gave me that chance and prove myself. It's sad to say but I had a hard time with fellow NP at the hospital who feels that I needed to go back to the NP program to do what I'm doing now. I remember hearing comments that "she's not an NP, she's a CNS"...(a lot of hosp staff has a habit or thinks I'm an NP so they will say I am an NP and that when the other NP hears this...They would correct them and made it known that I was a CNS. Which I do introduce myself as an APN/CNS...but still they see me as an NP. It is getting better that the NP are not "making side remarks"...I do my job and take care of my patients and I enjoy what I do. Any CNS who function as an NP out their with similar experience? Where I work there is only 2 others who function like the NP as a CNS.

I really appricruate tgis topic. I am graduating with my BSn in Dec. and was thinking about my MSN with either an APN or CSN. Now I understand things better. I am really interesting in an APN in pysch. But have never been able to speak to someone who has this.

How does one decide what type of nurse one wants to be? I don't know where I will be happy. IS this common?

Hi. I graduated in Fl. from a psych cns program but at that time, I could (and did) become licensed as an ARNP (advanced registered nurse practitioner) in psych in florida. at that time we did not have to be certified to be an advanced nurse. Now we do. I have worked as an associate professor and now am in private practice as a nurse practitioner/cns. I cannot really call myself a cns because I am not licensed as such in Florida. when i take/pass the ancc than I can become dual licensed. I see patients for medication management and therapy. My role, as such, is not any different than the NP that is in the office.

I cannot sit for the np exam because education is as a cns, so I am taking the cns exam. i know you will do well with the peds