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

Trauma Columnist · Oct 10, 2006

Siri is so right about the state that you are determines what CNS's can do. I just learned this week that PA and GA do not recognize CNS's as advanced practice nurses.

I live in IL and there is virtually no difference in my prescribing, ordering or reimbursement as a CNS versus an NP in IL.

mvanz9999, RN · Oct 17, 2006

Siri is so right about the state that you are determines what CNS's can do. I just learned this week that PA and GA do not recognize CNS's as advanced practice nurses.
I live in IL and there is virtually no difference in my prescribing, ordering or reimbursement as a CNS versus an NP in IL.

Hi Trauma. I'm also in IL. My question is why would you choose CNS over NP (or the other way around). Since the responsibilities are nearly the same (and I assume the pay?), why would you choose either one? As you know, there are many, many schools that offer both several NP and CNS degrees.

Trauma Columnist · Oct 19, 2006

Hi mvanz999 - I don't have a wonderfully philosophical reason why I chose CNS over NP - it was strictly a money issue. I did my BSN and MSN (in management and leadership) first and still had mucho student loans from that. Then....I decided that I wanted to do an APN role. The NP programs in my area are expensive also (UIC is in Peoria, and is very popular). The hospital where I worked had a College of Nursing which had a CNS program. They wanted to promote a newly-accredited post-MSN adult health CNS and I was the first student! The hospital had tuition waiver if I worked for them for 2 years after I graduated.

So...I did the program and graduated. However, in the previous few months, the hospital decided to scale down their APN program and when I graduated, there were no openings!!! So...I got out looking and ended up with an APN position at a large nephrology practice.

I work with three FNP's and I'm the only CNS - we virtually have the same job description, pay, roles, responsibilities.

I did interview for a "true" CNS role at a hospital while I was looking. That role was more of a bedside educator for the staff nurses. There was no collaborative agreement, no prescribing authority, no ordering. I know myself that I would have been very frustrated in that role so did not accept it.

With an MSN also, you have the option to teach too. I'm kinda thinking I woill do this for awhile, see where it goes and my back-up plan is to teach.

Hope this helps.

BBQvegan · Nov 4, 2006

This is a great thread. I want to specialize in some area of neuroscience. Would an NP or a CNS be the wiser option -- allowing me a lot of autonomy/flexibility/growth in this area?

Thanks!!

Trauma Columnist · Nov 4, 2006

Hi BBQvegan - I think the advanced practice role is wonderful. Are you a nurse? Considering nursing? Experience is what will give you the knowledge of which role to pursue.

BBQvegan · Nov 4, 2006

Well, I am just finishing my pre-nursing and heading into the nursing program in January (for my 2nd degree). I am really enthusiastic about everything! I made the best decision to switch careers! I love everything to do with neuro and believe that is the field I want to go in. But I know that I could very well change my mind -- this is only the beginning. But the more I think about it, the more I know FOR SURE that I want to at least get a Master's.

And I can't help but always look toward the future and continue to do research and wonder where I will be in 5, 10 years. I have been looking at the University of Washington -- they have a CNS program with many specialties, including neuro. So far, that sounds like the best option/perfect option. In fact, I am going to Seattle over the holidays to check out the city. I just wonder how many jobs are out there for a neuro CNS. I guess I won't worry about that now...there is plenty of time.

Trauma Columnist · Nov 4, 2006

Hmm - I didn't know there WAS a neuro CNS. I know the ANCC offers certification for adult health, peds and geriatric. WIth a very narrow focus, like neuro CNS, you want to make sure that you can get a job in a different area too and that there are loads of jobs.

Good luck - let me know what you find.

All_Smiles_RN · Nov 8, 2006

Hmm - I didn't know there WAS a neuro CNS. I know the ANCC offers certification for adult health, peds and geriatric. WIth a very narrow focus, like neuro CNS, you want to make sure that you can get a job in a different area too and that there are loads of jobs.
Good luck - let me know what you find.

At the hospital where I work, we are advancing our neuro unit. Our new neurosurgeon has a CNS who is dedicated to our neuro ICU. I don't know more than that though, such as what her actual job description is. Just wanted to share. :)

Trauma Columnist · Nov 8, 2006

Got it. However, I would bet that she is an adult health CNS who has neuro experience and training. What I was getting at was that the ANCC has NO specific certificatione exam for neuro, just more general exams. Then...after you get certified you get the specific experience and training necessary for your specialty.

BBQvegan · Nov 10, 2006

Thanks for the input!

J_W, DNP, APRN, CNS · Dec 22, 2006

I am a APN in the state of TX. I graduated in 2000 from MSN program (CNS track), my experience has always been Critical care, so I took the CCNS exam offered by AACN. Texas recognizes it as path to Advanced Practice. My MSN (CNS) program allowed me to obtain prescriptive authority (I have a number with the board), however I do not use it in my current role and have never used it, but keep the Pharm hours update so that I may keep the authority in case one day I may want to use it.

I am moved from traditional CNS role as critical care educator into a safety position (patient safety manager) for large acadmeic medical center. It was a complete turn around, totally new. I am still new to the role, so I am still learning. It is a side of nursing I knew was there, but never really thought much about it lots of JCAHO readiness stuff, etc...

I would say look for a CNS program that offers prescriptive authority, that way you can have it if you ever work in a role that needs it.

Trauma Columnist · Dec 22, 2006

JWRN - sounds exciting. I find it amazing how different states regulate our practice. I practice in IL and our state board lumps the NPs, CNS, CNM, CRNA's all in a group. I do have prescriptive authority and use it daily.