Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs

[DomiMichel24, BSN, RN]

Hi everyone. I'm currently an OR nurse with pediatric surgical/trauma floor experience. I'm interested in advancing my career and leaning towards a CNS program rather than an NP Program. Can I get pros and cons to both to help make my decision? And can anyone recommend good CNS programs, preferably online? Thanks in advance!

[nizhoni]

Hi Dom, It looks like you and I are the only two people interested in a Pediatric CNS program. Hmmm. 

I have researched this subject  thoroughly and, like you, I am leaning toward the CNS programs. I like the breadth of the role in comparison to the NP approach. I am nearly at the end of a very successful career and have some very specific goals, especially in research, and feel as though the CNS pathway will be best for my needs.

So far I have found only a few online CNS programs that offer a specialty in Pediatrics (which I assume is your interest, given your background). Of the ones that I have found, Old Dominion appears to me to be the strongest program. What are your thoughts so far? I am wondering why you prefer the CNS route. 

In light of the paucity of responses here, I wonder if being a CNS has a future. It would be a shame to close down this pathway for future applicants.