FNP/ANP vs. CNS.....and what programs are available online for NY residents??

U.S.A. New York

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Hello, I am really ready to pursure my master's. I love the idea in practicing advance nursing in cardiology, because that has always been my passion. I did lots of research online, but I need someone with first=hand experience or knowledge about the differences...real differences between FNP/ANP and CNS. I know one is more of direct patient care related, but I need someone who really knows to help me clarify all I have read online...so much info.

Second...any ideas on online programs to do so? And I reside in NY., Long island, so I suppose I need clinicals to be in that area. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I am also from the Long Island area of NY and was having a really hard time finding NP programs that are accepted by NYS, especially online NP programs. It turns out there are only 4 online programs that are accepted by NYS I was given this website by the NYS nurses board of education.

You can find the New York State Inventory of Registered Program at:

http://www.nysed.gov/heds/irpsl1.html

Specializes in Rehab, critical care.

Okay, so I don't know from first hand experience since I am neither an NP or CNS, but I have second hand experience lol. NP's are in direct patient care, prescribing, diagnosing, treating (as state laws dictate), and their function can range depending on specialty: FNP primarily outpatient/clinic/primary care: acute NP's obviously practice in a hospital setting with varying hours.

CNS: have a wide variety of functions, but do not perform direct patient care, generally speaking. They are the "kitchen sink" of advanced practice nurses. They perform research to help implement evidence based practice, improve patient outcomes, educate staff nurses, staff development. They generally work in a hospital setting as a CNS on a specific unit. We have a CNS in our ICU, and she does the things I mentioned above. I imagine that function varies depending on hospital setting.

I would think your career options would be more limited with the CNS route as opposed to the NP route. More jobs available for NP than CNS. There are only so many CNS in a hospital system, and once they get a position, they generally don't leave. You probably could get a job, but it might require a move. Your job market would vary with NP, too, since NP's might saturate certain areas, but the need is greater for NP's overall.

Best of luck!! I'm looking into going back to school as well, just not sure when I'm going to take the plunge :). You should get some good info on the site. I've read some old threads on this topic before, as well.

Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

Moved to New York State Nursing Programs for more response.

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