Hello, I am a CNS student with an assignment to interview a CNS on how their transition into the advanced practice role went for them. What struggles did you encounter? What lessons were learned in those early days and any words of advice on strategies for success to a new CNS? Where or who did you receive the biggest supportive role from during these times?

Any feedback from a CNS would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Sherry

I've been an adult health CNS since 2006 and a peds CNS since 2011. For me, the transition was easy as I completely changed practice settings. I went from working as a staff nurse in a level one ER to a private, very large nephrology practice. I would imagine that if you stayed in the same place, there might be more turmoil.

Hello, I am a CNS student with an assignment to interview a CNS on how their transition into the advanced practice role went for them. What struggles did you encounter? What lessons were learned in those early days and any words of advice on strategies for success to a new CNS? Where or who did you receive the biggest supportive role from during these times?

Any feedback from a CNS would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Sherry

Thank you for your reply. Can you give any advice for where you received your biggest support when you transitioned? Any lessons learned?

Kindly,

Sherry

I have been a psych cns since 1994. I had been working as a clinical nurse manager on a psych unit and I continued my role. I had gone to graduate school to get a MSN to open job options. CNS was the only advanced practice psych option at the time.....So I got my CNS continued with management, did per diem in the psych emergency on the side, did some fee for service therapy on the side and tried to find a supervising psychiatrist so I could also prescribe on the side........

Finally in 2000 I left management, my first job was consulting in a nursing home--the company provided the supervising psychiatrist. It was a new job and I had been studying psychopharm for years...i was in a peer supervision group, went to nurmerous conferences...I was very anxious and I contiued to study.

I think the first thing that startled me was a nurse calling to clarify an order...I was used to being the nurse..

Biggest obstacle: finding supervvising physicians

Biggest support: other CNS's

Strategies for success: not sure...it was not a hard transition....I think of it as another job with different expectations....

I now work as a APRN..prescribing and diagnosing and am now in a no mandatory supervision needed state and this is better...I dont think most physicians want to supervise...though I like having forums to talk about patients....

Biggest support - other APNs in the practice. They were very supportive and even today, 6 years later we all work together to get the job done.

Lessons learned: if you don't know something ask. Don't be pushed into something and you get in over your head. It can have horrendous consequences.