Online CNS programs

[RNangel98]

I have searched the other threads and I know that this is somewhat repeative so I apologize.

I am graduating with my BSN from Kean University in 2 weeks. YEAH!!!! :yeah:Now that's done I am interested in pursuing my MSN with a CNS track rather than NP track because from the research I've done in NJ CNS and NP both come under APN but the CNS will give me more options with my career. After going to school and working night shift for 3 years I only want to do online classes because trying to adjust my work and/or sleep schedule around school was EXTREMELY difficult. I know that I will have to do clinicals but at least that I will be able to

have more flexibility in scheduling with my preceptor/mentor.

Reading the other posts I have several programs but many that are mentioned are the brick and mortar schools, require a few visits per semester to the campus (which I can't do because I cannot afford to take the time off of work or the airfare/hotel costs that will be required), or are NP tracks.

So after all that my question is does anyone know of a CNS program (again not NP) in which the didactic portion is ALL online? Thanks.

[VentNut_RN]

ROLO,

I've been doing a bit of research on Univ of South Alabama...looks pretty good to me...what track are you doing and how many semesters is the program?? And also, are you working full-time while doing the program? Just trying to pick your brain a lil !! sry for all the ques !! Thanks in advance !

[ROLO]

I was/am in the adult/geri CNS track. After much research into the CNS role though, I think I am changing to the acute care NP track. I think the CNS is awesome. I am not sure though that medical community & others are giving the CNS the credit that they deserve! ...at least in my little part of the world. That "variety" that you talked about can also be viewed as ambiguity. And, depending on what area of CNS practice you want to specialize in, that ambiguity could be further heightened. If I were wanting to work in the ICU, I could see where more of the staff & pt/family education could play a role and be very worthwhile; but, say for instance in the emergency department (ED), where I am, and would like to continue practicing, the CNS role is pretty new, and where there might be a great opportunity to be more involved in direct pt care (as does the psych/mental health CNS), this comes with some scrutiny. For example, where I live, the CNS, per the Board of Nursing, can practice much like the NP (basically no difference), but most every CNS in this area (and there ain't a lot of them) would not think of being at the bedside. In the ED, however, I think the CNS could be very helpful, going from bedside care, when the ED is saturated, even doing some physician-extending, to working on policies, procedures, and education.

If I were a bit younger and had the desire & fight, I would not mind being the trailblazer and try to make all of that happen. As it stands now, I think I would rather be an NP, were my role would be more defined, and expectations are clearer.

I hope I have not dissuaded you from your CNS pursuits, but I do hope that I have given you something to think about and to consider, as I think that these are very real considerations. I think when we have worked very hard in school, and spent all of that money, we want to be able to get out and do something. It is difficult thinking that we may have to get out of school and sort of guess as to what it is we must be doing.

My CNS acquaintances are probably going to be disappointed that I am (more than likely) going to switch my area of focus, but I have to do what I think is right for me.

As for USA, I am really liking them. I was a transfer student to them, and I am starting my third semester there. After this spring semester, I will be starting my clinicals. If I DON'T change tracks, I COULD BE GRADUATING NEXT SPRING. The NP program will add a summer and fall session... plus, I may have to visit campus for 1-3 days...

What I like about them is their emphasis on writing and research. Patho & pharm are pretty much composed of tests (research has two tests), but the other courses are pretty much papers and projects --I prefer them to multiple choice tests almost any day. I am taking pharm next semester, so I still have tests to take, but I am hoping, and looking forward to, getting back to papers and projects, rather than multiple choice tests.

I also like that the bookstore staff, business office staff, and some of the faculty with whom I have dealt, are pretty friendly, open, and helpful. I am not sure that everyone has returned my e-mails, but someone usually did. For instance, I might send 5-6 e-mails in regards to a question that I am having, and three people might get back in touch with me. I'll get answers, but sometimes not from everyone...I am not sure why that happens.

And, especially for the CNS student, I think the program LOOKS great. Of course, I have not taken any CNS courses yet, as they are coming up very soon; but, they prepare you to have prescriptiver authority, if that is what you would like. So, when you are done with school, you can pursue that. One of my friends who graduated from a CNS program 10+ years ago did not get the patho, pham, and assessment, like we get now (at USA), so she would have to go back to school if she were wanting to prescribe.

Feel free to contact me any time. Happy holidays!

[VentNut_RN]

ROLO,

Thanks so much for the info/advice !! Definitely helps alot in the decision process. I'm so torn between the two roles ( NP vs. CNS ), so all advice is much appreciated! I found on the BON website that in FL, CNS' do not have prescriptive authority...does that mean that even if I were to receive prescriptive authority that I would be unable to use it in the state of FL ??

I'm not exactly sure what type of role I want to pursue, so I have alot to think & research about. I do know, however, that I have no intention of staying where I am currently! Keep us updated on your decision !! Thanks again & Happy Holiday's !

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Rolo - while I'm not disappointed, I'm glad that you have chosen the NP role especially since you want to stay in the ER. I think that it will suit your ambitions better.

[ROLO]

ROLO,

Thanks so much for the info/advice !! Definitely helps alot in the decision process. I'm so torn between the two roles ( NP vs. CNS ), so all advice is much appreciated! I found on the BON website that in FL, CNS' do not have prescriptive authority...does that mean that even if I were to receive prescriptive authority that I would be unable to use it in the state of FL ??

I'm not exactly sure what type of role I want to pursue, so I have alot to think & research about. I do know, however, that I have no intention of staying where I am currently! Keep us updated on your decision !! Thanks again & Happy Holiday's !

Do what I did...keep researching (and praying)... I think if I were younger, I probably would have done the CNS track and been a trailblazer, sort of fighting for the CNS to be able to do what traumaRUs does every day, though still being open to the traditional CNS spheres. But, again, I am sort of an odd duck, having been in school for sooooo long already (7 years straight...RN-BSN, EMT, paramedic, working on MSN)... I just want to get out and get a job.

If I can be of any more assistance, please let me know. Are you looking into mental health? I JUST checked my "job e-mail" (I get job adds sent to me), and there was another post for a PSYCH/MENTAL HEALTH CNS/NP...NO DIFFERENTIATION...FOR SAME JOB!! Again, you have to consider what the job entails...WHERE the job is...BON...I think the job post is for here in Indiana.

Gotta get some coffee!