Advice needed! 2 yr CNL vs 3 yr CNS

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · May 18, 2009

Congratulations! Only you can make the final determination, but an important consideration is the job market for the CNL versus CNS in your area. It is my impression that the CNL is a new experimental role that has turned out to be quite a "dud" - not much demand, not very marketable. The CNS, however, is in an entirely different league. It is usually highly marketable, as well as being an advanced practice nursing degree (which the CNL is not), and should pay more. It is just a much more valuable degree all around.

In my opinion, the CNS would also be more appropriate for the nurse educator role.

I hope this helps, but please research the job markets in your area before making your final decision. What degree would the area nursing programs prefer for their faculty? Best wishes to you in your career!

msnapplicant · May 18, 2009

Thank you so much for your advice

Goodoldnurse · May 19, 2009

I agree with VickiRN!

They are shutting down the CNL AND CNS programs in my area since the hospitals and physicians are not using them correctly. In my area, those who have a masters in Public Health, cannot teach because it is not a masters in nursing. So, see what the trends are in your area and what you could use. I went the straight Nurse Educator, which I can add to later if I chose.

Blessings and prayers!

msnapplicant · May 19, 2009

Thank you so much for your advices. I feel stupid and maybe even lazy to ask like this, but how can I find a trend in my area? Who should I ask? I don't know many people in health care.

Any way, thanks to your advice, I am leaning to CSU Long Beach, where I can choose specialty upon completing BSN portion. Unfortunately, they don't have Educator track (though they have minor option), but I suppose I can't become nurse educator right out of El-Msn anyway.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · May 19, 2009

Good question! Find a list of all nursing schools within 100 miles of your area and either telephone the nursing director or send e-mails, asking their educational preferences/ requirements for their faculty. You should also check with the Education Department in your state Board of Nursing.

elkpark · May 19, 2009

... I suppose I can't become nurse educator right out of El-Msn anyway.

You'll need to plan on getting some solid clinical experience -- I've never seen a faculty position posting that didn't specify a minimum of two years clinical experience (and your school experience wouldn't count) and, in most places, "just" two years of experience would not make you a v. competitive candidate.

msnapplicant · May 20, 2009

Thank you for your advices.

Actually, I thought I would need experience of 10 years or so before I could think about becoming nurse educator. That's why I was thinking about intermediate fields like public health (which I think I'll like) vs acute care (which I think will be better preparation).

Another issue that I'm mulling over is whether it's better to finish MSN (even if just CNL and no certification at that) in 2 years, get some work experiences before going back to post-master program or to arm myself with CNS or other APN (even if it takes 3 years) before starting work. Any advices, please? BTW, I'm 36 years old now so a rather late starter.

Teresag_CNS · May 23, 2009

I agree with VickyRN that the CNL has not proven its worth in the job market. CNSs, on the other hand, have been around for about 50 years. While the CNS job (not the advanced practice licensure) goes away now and then - and is later reinstated when the administrators see what happens in the absence of clinical specialists - the advanced practice designation is more valuable than the CNL, which is a generalist degree.

As far as years of experience, two is probably enough. The shortage of nursing faculty is acute enough that schools can't be too picky. And remember that nothing stops you from practicing nursing while you are teaching; I have a PhD, an assistant professor appointment, and I practice in a Trauma ICU. You can negotiate a schedule that will permit you to practice while teaching; remember how valuable you will be as an advanced practice nurse with a minor in eduction! There is a great deal that is negotiable beyond salary.

Kudos for planning your career thougthfully and for pursuing a career in education. Good luck!