Are there any CNS out there?

Trauma Columnist · Sep 9, 2012

Sure several of us are available to help. Just post your questions here and we can take a shot at them.

Psychcns · Sep 9, 2012

I got my Psych CNS in1993--it was the only advanced practice psych degree and quite versatile. It was clinically/ therapy based which included psychopharm it is interesting to hear about others education and job descriptions. So yeah post your questions..

CherryERRN · Sep 9, 2012

Here are some starter questions. Thank you for your participation.

1. How many years of nursing experience did you have prior to becoming a CNS?

2. What made you want to return to school to obtain your msn as a CNS? What specialty or area do you practice as a CNS?

3. What state do you practice in and what is your job description?

4. Are there any limitations in your practice based on the state that you live in as oppose to other CNS in other states?

5. What issues do you face while working as a CNS or general issues that CNS face in their practice?

Thank all for allowing me to interview you.

Psychcns · Sep 10, 2012

How many years nursing experience prior to becoming CNS: 11

Speciaty: Psych

Reason for returning to school: I had several years of clinical and administrative experience and was interested in advancing--making a further commitment to the field. I interviewed for an administrative position and was not considered without a masters. This gave me the push to go back to school. I decided on a clinical track because the curriculum was more interesting. At the time I started school the psych CNS in MA has just obtained prescriptive authority..

Which state: NH now. I am an APRN in a behavioral health clinic. I do diagnostic evaluations and prescribe psych medications.I have found that although some physicians like to supervise, some do not...and I would rather have the options to ask questions or figure things out myself..the only limitation I have found in NH is that I am not allowed to see children or adolescents (as a psych CNS certified in Adult). In some states I can if I have physician supervision

Issues: I can prescribe in 34 states as a CNS..the other 16 say no. There is a lack of state to state uniformity in scope of practice.

It is also unclear about which states will allow state to state grandfathering of the to be retired credential of Adult CNS

Trauma Columnist · Sep 10, 2012

1. How many years of nursing experience did you have prior to becoming a CNS? 12

2. What made you want to return to school to obtain your msn as a CNS? What specialty or area do you practice as a CNS? I actually did my MSN in management and leadership then did a post-MSN adult health CNS and then later a post-MSN peds CNS. For me, the hospital where I was working in the ER obtained Magnet status so I knew that in order to get ahead, I needed to go back to school. I practice as an APN in a large nephrology practice.

3. What state do you practice in and what is your job description? I practice in IL and my job description is that of an APN.

4. Are there any limitations in your practice based on the state that you live in as oppose to other CNS in other states? No, in IL, the APN scope of practice is the same as NP, CRNA, CNM, CNS.

5. What issues do you face while working as a CNS or general issues that CNS face in their practice? I really don't face any barriers due to being a CNS in IL.

CherryERRN · Sep 11, 2012

Psychcns

Thank you for your participation.

Many nurses, including myself, have returned back to school to purse a Masters degree to be more marketable. A masters degree opens of a variety of career opportunities.

The limitation of being able prescribe medication in only certain states is an issues that faces many cns. What do u think we can do as nurses or CNS to have that banned?

Do you plan to go back to school to further your career?

What are some of your long and short term goals? (if you dont mind me asking)

CherryERRN · Sep 11, 2012

TraumaRus,

Thank you for your participation.

Would you be able to clarify the role of an APN/CNS in your state? Some states place limitations on the role of a CNS.

What limitations do you think CNS face nationwide, if not applicable to you.

What long term and short term goals do you have as a CNS ? ( if u dont mind me asking)

Do you plan on returning to school to further your education?

Trauma Columnist · Sep 12, 2012

In IL CNS has same practice act as NP, CNM, CRNA. So, I see, diagnose, treat, prescribe, etc. in my practice there is a PA, 3 FNPs and me and we all do the same job.

Trauma Columnist · Sep 12, 2012

I've only ever practiced in IL so I can't really speak to national limitations.

Trauma Columnist · Sep 12, 2012

Long and short term goals: hmmm. I know I do not plan to go back to school. I'm hoping to work another 15 yrs and retire.

Psychcns · Sep 12, 2012

OK--here are my responses

Regarding prescriptive authority for CNS in all states...I think all that is needed now is state by state lobbying...I think the APRN consenus group has done all they can to set standards. For the standards to be implemented in all states, lawmakers have to be convinced and likely MD's have to be on board....Lobbying is expensive. And there are still some states that dont recognize CNS at all so that would likely come first.

I am not likely to go back to school. I like my free time too much...Though if school was fully paid for, I may.

Career goals: Right now I would like to do locum tenens 3-6 month per year forever. This give me time to pursue other interests. I have a doc in my current assignment who is 80 and doing fine...