Difference between Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist

[starmickey03]

I currently have a BS in Health Science and am enrolled in an ASN program. My academic advisor as well as my aunt (who is an RN) have told me to skip the RN-BSN and the RN-MSN path and go straight for my DNP when the time comes. So I've been researching these programs, but keep running into the same thing. Every school website I've visited lists the specialties offered at their school, but the same specialty is listed for both NP's and CNS'.

So for example:

Nurse Practitioners

• Pediatrics
  
• Acute care
  
• Family Care
  

Clinical Nurse Specialists

• Pediatrics
  
• Acute Care
  
• Family Care
  

So, Im just wondering if anybody could tell me what the difference is between the two?

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Thanks, sirI. I looked at the thread and now Im somewhat more confused than before, LOL! I didnt read it all obviously, but there didnt seem to be much of a difference, just depends on which state you live in.

I want to be able to practice independently and alongside rather than beneath a physician. I knew that NP's could do this but was unsure about CNS'. Actually, I had never even heard of a CNS before I started to research RN-DNP programs...

That's what elkpark pointed out on the previous page. It all depends on the state. Some states recognize the NP and CNS as the same w/o any difference in Scope of Practice (SOP). Some states recognize NP only and not CNS. So, you'd have to see what your state Board of Nursing (BON) says.

I have to also agree with Sharon H., in that NPs are not "more advanced". They are equal in that they are Advanced Practice Nurses.

It will all depend upon your state if you can practice "independently". Most APNs must have a collaborative agreement with a physician. Only a handful do not have that restriction. And, each state with collaborative agreements outline these restrictions to the letter.

I am an NP. traumaRUs, another administrator here, is CNS. Her CNS practice is equal to the NP practice in her state.