benefits of Peds CNS vs. PNP...?

[crpRN]

Hey all...I'm new to this site but have been browsing some of the threads and am hoping for some of the same excellent feedback here!

I'm currently enrolled in an MSN-PNP program, with another year and a half to go, part-time. However, I'm feeling a bit discouraged by the experiences that most of my classmates ahead of me are having with their NP clinicals and the outrageous expectations of faculty/clinical advisors. With the recent realization that I do not see myself being an independent primary care Peds NP (ie: seeing, diagnosing, treating, and following patients in an office setting)...I have started investigating the Peds CNS program at my school. The program is 2 courses shorter, with a seemingly more traditional "nursing" focus (as opposed to the medical focus of NP programs...if that makes sense). I feel that I am more suited to remaining in a nursing role, but I have no clue what exactly being a CNS is all about...and I am determined to finish this master's program one way or another!!!

I'm wondering if anyone has any school/career advice re:

1- which specialty will be more marketable?

2- what exactly does a day in the life of a Peds CNS look like?

3- which specialty has the best bet of providing a family-friendly schedule (ie: no weekends, no holidays, no ridiculous 12 hour shifts like we do as crazy RNs, hehe)?

Any thoughts/tips/personal anecdotes would be appreciated. I could not find anything specifically comparing Peds advance practice RN specialties...help!

many thanks :)

crpRN

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Well, I'm in an adult health CNS back for a peds CNS. I'll be done in July. I do practice in the medical model versus the nursing model. I plan to continue to do that with the peds CNS.

In my state, there is no difference in the NP and CNS role: we are both (along with CNM and CRNA) advanced practice nurses. As to jobs; its been my experience that when you limit your focus, you limit the chances of employment.

I did some clinicals with an FNP last semester who worked in a peds office and loved it. However, she had the skillset that if she had to, she could see adults too.

I have a friend who is a PNP and several who are peds CNS's - jobs are scarce because of the economy in my area. We do have a tertiary hospital locally though that has a large children's hospital but they have a hiring freeze currently.