CNS as Educators

Specialties CNS

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I'm going back to school to attain my MSN and am trying to decide between the CNS tract and the educator tract. Also debating on whether I want an on-line program or a "sit your butt" in the classroom program. Any recommendations or suggestions?

I'm also wondering if those of you working as CNS's feel that staff development and staff education are a large or small part of your role?:typing

My 2 passions are bedside critical care nursing and staff education. I'm looking for any suggestions on how to best combine them.

Specializes in OB, critical care, hospice, farm/industr.

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.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

I realize this is an old thread but I have a question that is a bit similar.

I'm currently doing a master's in nursing education and will finish next spring. I'm not completely what is next: I feel the need for more education with a clinical focus, but I don't know quite what. I'm thinking of taking a one-semester online wound-ostomy-continence course because I am very interested and I have wondered if the DNP may be better for me since I do miss being in practice. Right now I am going to school full-time and it's kinda dry!

I have considered a gero CNS track but want to be completely honest but not scare anyone. I have seen several hospital reorgranizaions and it seems that the CNSs are among the first folks laid off. Have I just been around weird settings or does this happen everywhere?

This semester (summer session) I am taking all nurse ed courses. They're okay but a bit dry---not quite as much fun as theory or research classes (I'm doing my project on gero, so research was fun.) I think I'd like to do a bit of both----do you think a post-master's CNS program might be good for me?

Thanks in advance for answers!

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Specializes in OB, critical care, hospice, farm/industr.

Well now that I've graduated, I find teaching jobs that are FT/pay anywhere near a living wage are few and far between. I'm looking to network and have given up on getting a decent job in academia. Anyone have any leads in the private sector? I have an MSN, NE emphasis, will take the CNS certification exam soon and next year am thinking about taking the hospice and palliative care ANP exam. My area of expertise is OB.

I'm teaching OB clinical right now but only making 6 to 10 thousand a term depending on the class load. Full time at this world renowned institution of learning is a splendid 54 K a year in one of the most expensive areas of the state.

Any ideas? I have to find decent work soon!

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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?

Jacksonville State University has an online MSN program in Community Health. Their program allows you to become ANCC certified.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Please be aware that the CNS in Public/Community health certification has been retired:

Credential Awarded: PHCNS-BC This exam has been retired, but certifications can be renewed if professional development and practice hour requirements have been met. Testing is not an option for this certification renewal.

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Public/Community Health - American Nurses Credentialing Center - ANCC

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
Well now that I've graduated, I find teaching jobs that are FT/pay anywhere near a living wage are few and far between. I'm looking to network and have given up on getting a decent job in academia. Anyone have any leads in the private sector? I have an MSN, NE emphasis, will take the CNS certification exam soon and next year am thinking about taking the hospice and palliative care ANP exam. My area of expertise is OB.

I'm teaching OB clinical right now but only making 6 to 10 thousand a term depending on the class load. Full time at this world renowned institution of learning is a splendid 54 K a year in one of the most expensive areas of the state.

Any ideas? I have to find decent work soon!

I have given this advice before... "Look for jobs in Nursing Staff Development." Your educational background will be an asset, but the salary will be a lot higher. When people think of education, they think academia ... but there is a lot of education that goes on in hospitals. And those educators are paid competitive hospital salaries.

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