Career change to CNS

stepbystep12, BSN, DNP · Jan 22, 2016

The CNS house always seems to have no guests. Been there before and responses don't just flow in. Somebody say something. Following.

elkpark · Jan 22, 2016

There don't seem to be a lot of CNS jobs around these days. Fortunately, the CNS role is broad enough that you can work in a variety of capacities. There are plenty of people in nursing who seem to be determined to eliminate the CNS role altogether. I've been a psych CNS for 20 yrs, and, sad to say, it's hard to think of reasons to encourage anyone to take that route these days.

Psychcns · Jan 22, 2016

Agree with Elk Park. The CNS role has not gone away but if it is to survive it needs a boost. Many aspects of the role have been incorporated into the NP and the CNL role.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2016

The CNS house always seems to have no guests. Been there before and responses don't just flow in.

This is because only a very small number of people work in the CNS role, especially compared to NPs.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 23, 2016

There are still a few of us around. lol

I'm dual certified as both an adult and peds CNS. I care for pts from birth to death. I have an APRN role: I see pts, order tests, diagnose, write scripts, follow-up, etc. In IL, where I practice, I have full prescriptive authority and have my own DEA and NPI numbers.

I personally would not be happy with the educator or change agent role or the "true CNS" role. And...to be honest, health care is a business. In order to keep your job as an APRN, you need to bring in $$ to your practice. So, you need to perform billable services. Just my take on it.

imenid37 · Jan 31, 2016

I attended an online CNS program based in CA. In CA, your job prospects are probably much better than here on the East Coast. I do not think any of my CA based classmates mates worried that they would get a job as a CNS. The CNS role is very popular with organizations like Kaiser and UCLA. I wish I could say the same was true here in PA, but it is not. That is not to say you cannot get a job as an educator, case manager, or in the Quality Department. Licensure as a CNS differs widely from state to state. In CA, if a program is certified by the CA BON, you can get a CNS license. Here in PA, if you do not have a national certification which is recognized by our board, there are numerous hoops to jump through. For some specialties like mine, which is perinatal, there is no exam.

Psychcns · Feb 1, 2016

So this is why CNS in CA don't have prescriptive authority!! They don't want it. Their jobs don't require it.

eshilts · Feb 3, 2016

Thanks for the info, everyone. I'm pretty excited about the "true CNS" role as I enjoy reading research and seeing how I can apply it. I also like management and mentoring and think I'd succeed in a role with those opportunities.

SanDiFrangles, RN, NP, CNS · Jun 16, 2016

I'm actually a UCSF grad from the CNS program here in CA. I'm also a PA native and I chose to relocate out here in CA for that region. I know Stanford uses CNS a lot and has many CNS positions open - they use them to see patients and bill them, but you need to be nationally certified in order to bill. So that's a stipulation of the employment. Agree that Kaiser uses them, there are more NP jobs it seems - but there are also not a lot of people pursuing CNS careers so it makes me stand out a bit. Not to open a can of worms here, but I work with a physician group that loves CNS's in their practice, but don't view NP's in a favorable light.

ORNewbie007 · Jul 11, 2016

I hope this isn't too late. Just do the NP. NACNS does not advocate for the CNS role. I have written to them, I have become active in my state Nursing Assn. It is just not worth it. It is too bad. But, do yourself a favor and just go for the NP.