CNS! Is this a Dying Specialty!?

Trauma Columnist · May 8, 2011

Lol. Yes llg and I respect each other very much though we sometimes disagree.

My point, in this economy and high probability that healthcare is poised on the precipice of huge change, is that anyone looking to further their education should look to what they will be offering to the company.

eagle78 · May 8, 2011

Wow, you guys are the greatest :yeah: . Thank you traumaRus and llg for your valuable input. This is very informative and provides me with food for thought. Although I can understand traumRus point I am more hopeful for llg's feedback as that is exactly what I am looking for.

This is a second career for me. In my last career I was a network support manager. Although I was a Tier II support manager, I enjoyed most working with the front line technicians. I provided support, developed methods and procedures and collaborated with other support managers on new network applications and equipment for best practices.

Of course network support is a different world and I do not profess to know the health field yet, I am working on that though :). My point is that I enjoy being a support person, working with teams and trying to implement/develope best practices. It is my sincerist desire to work with the health care teams inside the hospitals and provide support, learn and provide whatever help I can. I really do not have a desire to be able to bill for services as llg described. I really hope that I am able to fit into the role that traumaRus described because that seems to suit me the best. But, I do need to eat . Thanks again for the wonderful input. Be Blessed!!

Trauma Columnist · May 8, 2011

Glad we were able to help. Please let us know how your career evolves.

eagle78 · May 9, 2011

i really do not have a desire to be able to bill for services as llg described. i really hope that i am able to fit into the role that traumarus described because that seems to suit me the best. but, i do need to eat . thanks again for the wonderful input. be blessed!!

oops, said that backwards. i really want to be able to fit in the role llg described. i am getting loopy... :uhoh3:

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · May 9, 2011

One other question, my strong interest in CNS as opposed to NP is because from all that I have seen it appears as if the CNS is more of an inpatient type of position, ie in the hospital?? As opposed to NP being more of an out patient?? Am I reading this right??

Well, not really. The NP functions in a provider role similar to physicians and physician assistants. A lot of this invloves diagnosing and intervening for patients using a "medicine-based" treatment approach while at the same time being rooted in a nursing model of care. The setting is not limited to out-patient areas, there are Acute Care NP's like myself who only work in the ICU setting.

The true CNS role is closely tied to traditional nursing practice and revolves around any of the areas that can include expert clinical nursing practice, consultation in nursing-related practice, leadership in nursing systems, research and evidence based nursing practice and, nursing staff development and education. The setting is also not limited to in-patient settings as there are programs for communith health and mental health CNS.

eagle78 · May 9, 2011

Thank you for the clarification. This helps, as from what I am hearing I may have to rethink my goals. :anbd:

drmorton2b · May 9, 2011

The CNS's I have seen in MA are mostly involved in nursing education at hospitals, etc. or They are Psych CNS=to a Psych NP.

Aymese · May 11, 2011

NPs that work in the hospital are usually acute care nurse practitioners. Many schools offer an ACNP track.

enoRN · May 21, 2011

I am a happy CNS student, starting my 2nd yr this fall and I love it. There might not be much job openings compared to the NPs but I know I'll find great happiness in my CNS role.

Ahhphoey · May 22, 2011

Wow, this was a great thread. I have always been interested in the CNS role versus NP and am fortunately now about to pursue that role. I actually already function in a CNS-type role as my hospital created a position for those who have a BSN or MSN to serve as a clinical resource for nurses, but the catch is we must get or begin pursuing a CNS within 2 years. The position requires us to participate in research, promote EBP, provide educational support, etc...and while it is a lot more challenging than I imagined, I love it.

I have been keeping an eye out for CNS roles in different states as I probably will relocate in the next five years or so, and the NP jobs definitely outnumber the CNS. However, as someone else posted, the position maybe under a different title, so I'll need to just keep that in mind for the future.

LeapofFaith · May 25, 2011

Glad I decided to visit Allnurses today bc if not I would of missed out on this great discussion!

Thanks everyone for their feedback. I am a new ACNS and my experience thus far has been similar to Trauma's. Here in Texas, it seems that most of the CNS roles are similar to NPs. A difference that I have noticed is that the CNSs tend to work more in specialized areas ( cardiology, neuro, ortho, etc...).

It has been difficult to find a job as a ACNS, since I am limited to seeing only adult patients. And when applying for jobs, most specifically in smaller clinics/group practices, physicians will ask "what is a CNS'. Sad to say when explaining to them what a CNS is I have to resort to " its similar to an NP" .

Trauma Columnist · May 25, 2011

I have been right there with you Leap of Faith: in IL, CNS, NP, CNM, CRNA are all advanced practice nurses. This is what we have to sign after our name and most people know APN is NP. Go figure.