Clinical Nurse specialist???

Whispera, MSN, RN · Nov 27, 2008

When I got my MSN, the program (Indiana, Valparaiso University) was set up like this:

With a MSN, you were a CNS, with a specialization in whatever field you chose

then...

to become a NP (family practice variety) you added 10 credit hours on at the end, after MSN graduation.

Trauma Columnist · Nov 27, 2008

Wow - does that course still exist? I'm desperate to add an FNP or peds NP to my resume!

allnurses Guide · Dec 1, 2008

Thank you traumaRUs. I was leaning more toward CNS Medical-Surgical or FNP. I like medical-surgical field, but I'd rather provide direct patient care than sit in the office & do management work etc... I have to make up my mind soon.

If you're a non-resident, consider the fees wherever you go. You generally need to have lived in a state for 12 months to be eligible for in-state tuition fees. You are not eligible for any federal aid or many loans as a non-resident (some permit this if you have a US citizen to co-sign). If you go fulltime, you could complete the MSN in 18 months to 2 years.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Dec 1, 2008

I worked in a Med-Surg hospital a couple of years ago. There, each specialty floor had its own CNS or a few. There was a diabetes specialist, a cardiac specialist, an ostomy specialist, a psych specialist, etc. I was one of them. Our job was to do staff education and to see patients within our specialty, to provide input about what might help the patient. We talked to the patients' doctors regularly. While we were usually associated with a specific "floor," we went to all areas of the hospital if we were asked to consult. We definitely had patient contact. The hospital had a few NPs, but most of the NPs who worked there, came from the offices of the MDs they worked with, and saw patients from their practice who happened to be admitted.

Trauma Columnist · Dec 1, 2008

Whispera - that is what my job is now: I work for a nephrology practice and see those patients when they are hospitalized. Much depends on the state practice act, what a CNS can and can't do.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Dec 1, 2008

I also worked in a private practice, and saw my own patients, assessing, diagnosing, prescribing medications and treatment, ordering tests, evaluating treatment, and adjusting it. I didn't see the doctors' patients, only my own. It was their preference that I didn't go to the hospital to see patients, though, so if any of mine were admitted, they would be the attending provider rather than me. Then, when hospitalization was over, the patient was "mine" again. I didn't mind them doing this, since it meant I didn't have to be "on call" 24/7 and didn't have to drive all over creation.

Trauma Columnist · Dec 1, 2008

Aw yes, the driving! I have 28,000 miles on my new SUV - I just got it Nov 07! I drive a lot!

Whispera, MSN, RN · Dec 1, 2008

I sure hope you get paid for mileage!

Trauma Columnist · Dec 1, 2008

Oh yes indeed - $0.585/mile!

I do rounding on dialysis pts in two separate units about 12 miles apart, then I occasionally go to a third unit 50 miles away and my hospital call is 55 miles away!

And...joy of joys...we got our first snowfall this weekend...makes driving interesting.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Dec 1, 2008

and so are the days of our lives!

RockyCreek · Dec 5, 2008

Trauma, I am just guessing that you are in the Peoria area ... am I right? Our family is planning to relocate to the Hillsboro/Litchfield area ... too bad I couldn't have you for my preceptor in renal!

Ruthann

Trauma Columnist · Dec 5, 2008

Yes, I live south of Peoria just a little bit. However, hubby lives in Alton, IL and I travel thru Litchfield just about every weekend. If you have questions, I'd be glad to try to help.