CNS interview assignment

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Hello all geriatric CNSs in the forum,

This is my first semester enrolled in the online MSN program at CSU, Dominguez Hills. The role option that I am pursuing is CNS, Gerontology. This week, I have an assignment to interview a masters prepared registered nurse in a role to which I am aspired. I live in a small town and where I work do not have any CNS. I have tried to contact several Geriatric CNSs in hospitals surrounding my area but was not able to get hold with any of them.

The interview can be done either in person, telephonically, or via email. The information you shared with me will also be shared with the class. But only your role and function is sufficient, no name or even by specific location/employer will be share. I really need your help. If appropriate, could I have the email address of the person who would like help me in this assignment so I could send the questions to? Your help would very much appreciate.

Thank you,

Icyblue

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm an adult health and peds CNS but I see geriatric nephrology pts. If you want to post the questions here, I will try to help.

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Hi TraumaRUs,

Thank you for trying to help me.

Here are the questions.

1) What is your role and primary responsibilities?

2) What is your role title and position description?

3) How did you choose this role?

4) What educational preparation is required for the role?

5) What is the setting in which your role is enacted?

6) Are there role conflicts or "turf" issues within the organization, and if so how are they handled or resolved?

7) What are actual or perceived barriers to practice or innovation?

8) Are there any special skills that are needed to lead or influence others on the care team or within the organization?

I look forward to reading them.

Thanks,

icyblue

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

1) What is your role and primary responsibilities?

Primary responsibility - managing the medical care of chronic hemodialysis patients. I work in four dialysis units in a 60 mile radius of my home.

2) What is your role title and position description? My role title is APN - advanced practice nurse. I work in a large nephrology practice with four other mid-level providers: 2 PAs and 2 FNPs. We all do the exact same or similar jobs.

3) How did you choose this role? When I graduated with an adult health CNS in 2006, there were very few jobs and my hospital was downsizing. I interviewed at several private practices: a derm group, a surgical group and a nephrology practice as well as two hospitals. I chose this position as it offered a very flexible schedule, I was able to negotiate my salary and the benefits are unbelievable.

4) What educational preparation is required for the role? For this position, I had an MSN in management and leadership and a post-MSN adult health CNS. I have since gone on and completed a second post-MSN certificate as a peds CNS.

5) What is the setting in which your role is enacted? I work in outpt dialysis units as well as hospitals.

6) Are there role conflicts or "turf" issues within the organization, and if so how are they handled or resolved? No turf issues at all. All the mid-levels in our practice are well-respected. If there is a disagreement or a concern, it is handled privately and between the providers involved.

7) What are actual or perceived barriers to practice or innovation? They are state-driven and actually in my practice, I don't have any. I have a lot of autonomy to order/interpret tests, prescribe meds, monitor for effectiveness.

8) Are there any special skills that are needed to lead or influence others on the care team or within the organization? My nursing background involved ER and ICU populations so I had no dialysis knowledge - there was a huge learning curve.

Hope this helps.

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TraumaRUs,

Your answers helped me a lot for the assignment. Thank you.

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