ANP vs.CNL

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jun 14, 2010

I moved your thread to the post-grad forum (vs. the GN forum) to encourage responses.

Trauma Columnist · Jun 14, 2010

I vote the ANP due to having more options as and advanced practice nurse.

CNL2B · Jun 15, 2010

I am looking for grad programs to start as of next year. An ANP and a CNL have very different jobs -- prescriptive capabilities vs. none, a practitioner-type job vs. a leadership-type job. I personally decided to go for the CNL but that is because I work in a system that employs them and most (if not all) of my coursework will be paid for, and I will probably get salary continuation while I do my clinical work.

The CNL is a new role and I think it would be wise for anyone that is looking at a CNL program to closely examine your job prospects and where you want to end up in the country and career-wise. They aren't being implemented everywhere. I personally think it remains to be seen whether or not this is a career that is going to survive long-term. I am aware of all of this -- and still want the job, and I don't think that having an MSN with a leadership focus is going to hurt me in the future. If I had to, I could always go into management or a similar field if my job disappears.

I think as an NP you will probably have more job opportunities initially but you might get pigeon-holed later if you decide to move out of a role that doesn't use your prescriptive capabilities and is more management/leadership based. I think it really, really depends on what you want to do with your life. It can be a hard decision. Try to make sure you consider all the factors, and best of luck!