CNS to Post-masters FNP

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Has anyone ever heard of someone that has done this? Would there be any advantages to being an adult CNS and getting a post-masters certificate as an FNP? (Flexibility, greater earning potential, etc).

Thank you

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hmmmm - I'm interested in this thread too. Right now, I too am an adult health CNS who is considering either FNP or ACNP as a post-MSN certificate. My CNS is already a post-MSN certificate - lol. It would have been nice had I done this right to begin with!

Why do you say "done this right the first time?" Do you find your CNS degree restrictive?

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Yes, that is what I found. I am in a tight APN market (central IL) and there are few positions. My experience is 10 years in a level one trauma center and without peds clinicals and ability to see kids, I am restricted and can not work in the ER. However, it is a moot point anyway, because it is a large teaching hospital and they have a large ER residency program so they don't want the "nurses" to take things away from the residents. (A little vent here, sorry).

I am an RN and I work in an SICU...Moslty neuro. I am moving and I am thinking of going to graduate school. I was actually thinking of doing both. That is an CNS and an FNP. I really like the neuro ICU, and would like to specialize, but I also do not want to limit myself. The tuition will be free because I am a Texas veteran so I thought the doing to two would "ensure" a good job and good pay.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Depends on what you want to do. In IL where I live CNS's are APNs with the same prescriptive authority as NPs and they are utilized as APNs. I would not be happy in an educator role only and my focus is more the medical model than the nursing model. So...for me, the CNS role was not really what I wanted to do but rather what was available to me in my area.

I did the CNS track in psych and now doing FNP. I never took certifying exams. Even though most of my work has not been in psych, I'd rather do a psych NP because I like to work with PTSD victims and emotinal problems due to chronic physical illness. But...even with the FNP that might not be too much of a problem.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Zenman - I know of several nurses who did the APN MSN and never took the certifying exams.

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