CNS as Educators

Hi ChelleChelle,

I am also ready to start an MSN program. My initial idea was to do a strictly nurse educator program. I have since decided to go with a CNS program with optional classes that focus on education. I feel that going with a CNS program, or even an NP program, would open more doors so to speak in the future. I would love to do an NP program, but I'm just not that strong with math and I'm finding that to be an obstacle in some scenarios.

I am currently considering Lynchburg University out of Lynchburg VA. They have an online program but are associated with a "bricks and mortar" school. I personally prefer that versus a completely online based school such as phoenix. The professor I have been in contact with has been very helpful, and quick to reply as well. I have a friend who is in her 3rd class (online) there and seems to really like it. They do have traditional fall, spring and summer semesters, but many of their classes are 8 weeks, so you can start at the different 8 week terms within the semesters.

Here is a link

http://www.luonline.com/index.cfm?PID=14415

I personally do not know any CNS's and wonder how they are utilized in

the facilities in my area. So one on one research has been difficult.

Anyways, good luck!

My initial idea was to do a strictly nurse educator program. I have since decided to go with a CNS program with optional classes that focus on education. I feel that going with a CNS program, or even an NP program, would open more doors so to speak in the future.

Last year about this time I was enrolled in a nurse educator track at my school (Saint John Fisher College in Rochester, NY), as I thought that I really wanted to be involved in teaching full-time. Since then, I have helped to open an inpatient palliative care unit. I really liked being involved in program development and specializing in the palliative/hospice field of nursing. This caused me to seriously reconsider what I wanted to be doing in the future.

As defined by the ANA, a CNS is "a clinical expert within a specialty area who promotes the improvement of nursing care through education, consultation, research, and acting as a change agent in the healthcare system."

After looking at all angles, I decided to switch from the educator track to the CNS track, and I have been very satisfied with my decision. As stated above, I will be able to be a consultant, conduct research, and help create change at a unit, facility, and/or community level in addition to teaching. I found this to be both exciting and liberating! I guess what I'm trying to say is that I look back and feel that I would have been painting myself into a corner with a degree in nursing education, as I would have only had 2 choices after graduation: staff development or academia. As a CNS, however, I will also be able to pursue other avenues such as program development and evaluation, clinical research, plus still be directly involved in patient care. I do intend to be involved in staff development, and I also plan to serve as an adjunct faculty member at one of the local colleges. Basically, I will be able to have the best of both worlds as a CNS.

So, bottom line: you will have to decide whether or not you really want to be doing nothing but teaching after graduation. If you do, then by all means go with the educator track, as your clinical practicum will be geared toward the teaching role. However, if this is not the case, then you will have to decide whether you want to be an NP or a CNS. Once again, look at the roles that you would be fulfilling after graduation - do you want to be diagnosing and treating patients, or do you want to be more geared toward staff/patient education, research, consultation, and program development? This should help you decide what avenue you will want to pursue in graduate school.

Hope this helps! Good luck!!!

Mark

I, too, am thinking about entering a program that would prepare me for diabetes education. That seems to be my niche. I've heard that there is an advanced practice certification for diabetes management out there? Has anyone heard of it? If so, what kind of educationcal path are we talking about? If anyone knows anything, I'd appreciate any info at all.

I am currently finishing up my MSN. I live in PA and will be an advanced practice nurse (broad umbrella term) and a CNS once I take the certification exam. My specialty is Community Health. I am currently a part time clinical instructor of student LPN's and AD, RN students. I would be eligible for full time education position with the completion of my MSN.

I do feel that the CNS track gives you a much broader range of employment possibilities than nurse educator track. However, as was pointed out by someone else, if you took some education courses (I took 2 as electives), you would be more than prepared for clinical nurse educator position.

Good luck in whatever you choose!

I have recently graduated with an MSN specializing in Education. I have been offered a job as a Clinical Specialist in the facility where I did my Practicum.

I have also interviewed at a Community College where the interviewer has an MEd. She told me she needs to return to school to obtain her MSN because the Board of Registration in Massachusetts is requiring Educators to have their MSN.

What do you want to do?

Do you forsee teaching students in the future?

I would discuss options with other nurses in your State and find out the requirements.

You may do well by getting a degree that will open more doors for you.

I wish you the best.

I am currently finishing up my MSN. I live in PA and will be an advanced practice nurse (broad umbrella term) and a CNS once I take the certification exam. My specialty is Community Health. I am currently a part time clinical instructor of student LPN's and AD, RN students. I would be eligible for full time education position with the completion of my MSN.

I do feel that the CNS track gives you a much broader range of employment possibilities than nurse educator track. However, as was pointed out by someone else, if you took some education courses (I took 2 as electives), you would be more than prepared for clinical nurse educator position.

Good luck in whatever you choose!

Hi!

What are you planning on doing with your CNS in Community Health?

I am currently finishing up my MSN. I live in PA and will be an advanced practice nurse (broad umbrella term) and a CNS once I take the certification exam. My specialty is Community Health. I am currently a part time clinical instructor of student LPN's and AD, RN students. I would be eligible for full time education position with the completion of my MSN.

I do feel that the CNS track gives you a much broader range of employment possibilities than nurse educator track. However, as was pointed out by someone else, if you took some education courses (I took 2 as electives), you would be more than prepared for clinical nurse educator position.

Good luck in whatever you choose!

Hi, nursie76!

Where did you go to complete your MSN/CNS in Community Health? Did you enjoy the program? What were the clinical experiences/hours like? How was the ANCC Public Health/Community Health CNS Certification Exam? What study materials did you use to prepare?

Thanks!:)

I agree going for the CNS with emphasis in education is the wisest choice. I am finishing a master's in nursing education and to my horror found halfway through a mere nurse educator is not considered an Advanced Practice Nurse. I felt like the proverbial red-headed stepchild. A CNS is an APN.