Anybody feels they still wanna go the CNS route?

guest538567 · Mar 14, 2014

I have always been curious about the CNS role as it does not seem very common in my area. Can an MSN nurse trained as an NP be hired into a traditional CNS role at a hospital?

woofyrn · Mar 18, 2014

All very good responses, and I enjoy reading everyone's different perspectives.

I'm choosing the CNS role exactly because I don't want to be limited/pigeonholed into primary care positions (i.e. NPs). I believe with the CNS as a AP public health nurse in HIV/AIDS, I can diversify my skills, whether it's case management, working with healthcare agencies, grant writing, etc. Everyone is wanting the NP positions now, and I know it's tough to get a job in the Bay Area right now.

Frankly, I wouldn't count out the CNS positions -- as we all know, what goes around, comes around.

Ultimately, I believe you have to follow your passion and make your own pathway.

Psychcns · Mar 29, 2014

All very good responses, and I enjoy reading everyone's different perspectives.
I'm choosing the CNS role exactly because I don't want to be limited/pigeonholed into primary care positions (i.e. NPs). I believe with the CNS as a AP public health nurse in HIV/AIDS, I can diversify my skills, whether it's case management, working with healthcare agencies, grant writing, etc. Everyone is wanting the NP positions now, and I know it's tough to get a job in the Bay Area right now.
Frankly, I wouldn't count out the CNS positions -- as we all know, what goes around, comes around.
Ultimately, I believe you have to follow your passion and make your own pathway.

@woofyrn: any movement on CA granting prescriptive authority for the CNS. I think if the CNS goes back to being a broad role in all states it will ensure its survival.

woofyrn · Mar 29, 2014

@woofyrn: any movement on CA granting prescriptive authority for the CNS. I think if the CNS goes back to being a broad role in all states it will ensure its survival.

Hi Psychcns! Honestly, I haven't really kept up with the battle (that may even be too generous a term) for prescriptive authority for CNS's in California. As others have stated, it seems the umbrella term "APRN" is currently in vogue to corral all the various roles under one title.

However (and again, this is my opinion), it seems the CNS role hasn't quite been as vocal in demanding its "place at the table" as far as prescriptive authority goes. I believe that most (not all) CNS's don't quite see themselves as primary care practitioners, but more "specialists" (duh) in one particular area and consequently don't want to advocate for something which they either: 1) don't really care to do; or 2) feel a bit inadequately prepared to do.

There's a real dichotomy in the NP vs. CNS camps, almost a defensive behavior when I"m talking with other students -- it's almost like the old "why didn't you just go to medical school instead of being a nurse" routine that I got from lots of people, being a male RN.

Because that's not what I want to do. :cat:

Edited to add:

I suspect this lack of overwhelming demand from CNS's is interpreted by The Political Powers That Be, in addition to the usual Turf Wars by physicians (and not a few NP's), as proof positive to limit the numbers of people that are doling out drugs to people.

Psychcns · Mar 29, 2014

A few years back the psych CNS in CA decided to not go for separate prescriptive authority as a psych group but instead to follow Oregon example and go for prescriptive authority for all CNS. At least this is what I understand from the Internet. Why Oregon CNS succeeded and California CNS isn't making more of a fuss is curious..

stepbystep12, BSN, DNP · Apr 23, 2014

Any body still thinking of this route or am i by myself still. Do we have anybody in school for CNS currently and what do your instructrors have to say about it?

After CNS, if i decided to pursue NP, does it mean start from scratch or do some classes from CNS count? I still feel i should go this route although it seems like the light at the end of the tunnel is too dim for now.

SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS · Apr 23, 2014

Still here, still in CNS program with one semester left. My instructor is a full time CNS, she thinks the role will come back full force.

If you decide to do NP after you can do a post-MSN FNP program, the 3 P's and your core courses would transfer.

SycamoreGuy · Apr 29, 2014

Any body still thinking of this route or am i by myself still. Do we have anybody in school for CNS currently and what do your instructrors have to say about it?
After CNS, if i decided to pursue NP, does it mean start from scratch or do some classes from CNS count? I still feel i should go this route although it seems like the light at the end of the tunnel is too dim for now.

Depending on how everything transfers you should only have to do 2-3 courses in your NP specialty and a practicum

BPnursie · Jun 3, 2014

maria12,

I live in Oklahoma and am currently a CNS student. The hospital I work in has started to hire CNSs. From what I can tell all the current job posting are listed as CNS/NP/PA, but I have been told that FNPs will no longer be able to practice in the acute care setting. They will have to be ACNP or PNPs. As far as my program at school, we have been taught by MDs and NPs. I only have a year down (of core classes) and I expect to see more CNS instructors after this semester.

I flip-flopped between CNS and NP for a number of reasons but finally setteled on CNS because I prefer acute care settings and more collaborative work environment. Good luck with your search!

Beth