CNS vs NP?

[cybermom463]

Hi, does anyone know the difference between a Clinical Nurse Specialist and a Nurse Practitioner?

I am looking into going back to school for my RN-BSN/MSN. I'm trying to decide what I'd like to specialize in so that I can make an informed decision about

schools.

I'm really thinking of going for Midwifery as my background is in OB. But I'm also considering PNP and NNP. But I saw something about CNS in children's health. So now, I'm just wondering what's the difference?

Also, does anyone have a recommendation of online/distance education programs? I read an earlier post about Wright State. I'm also looking into NKU's online program. Any information would be GREAT!! Idealy I'd like to find an online program where I can go RN-MSN in midwifery. But the closest I've found is University of Kansas and there whole program is not offered online.

If you've made it this far. THANKS!!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

You are so right llg. If you get the committee together, tell me when and where.

[Halleh]

No one would confuse a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner with a Neonatal Clinical Specialist. On the other hand a Pych CNS and a NP working in psych might have almost identical roles -- as might a Community Health NP and a Community Health CNS.

llg

llg - There are many threads explaining the difference between NP and CNS but could you tell me why the difference between a Neonatal NP and a Neonatal CNS are different? I have been going back and forth about which direction I should go in. Thanks so much for any help!

-Halleh

[llg, PhD, RN]

llg - There are many threads explaining the difference between NP and CNS but could you tell me why the difference between a Neonatal NP and a Neonatal CNS are different? I have been going back and forth about which direction I should go in. Thanks so much for any help!

-Halleh

Most NNP's function as "medical" providers. They function in a role almost identical to a "resident" in a neonatal ICU. They make medical rounds, write orders for lab tests, nutrition, medications, do procedures such as spinal taps, intubate, place umbilical lines, etc. They are part of the "medical" team that provides medical diagnosis and treatment under the supervision of the neonatologist.

Most neonatal CNS's support the nursing team in their provision of nursing care to the babies. They monitor the quality of nursing care, develop and implement new nursing practices, provide education for both staff and parents, coordinate nursing student activities, oversee nursing orientation, do nursing research and evidence-based practice projects, etc. The focus is on the "nursing" management of the patient rather than the "medical" management.