CNS vs NP?

[NICUplease]

Just wondering if anyone knows what the difference is between CNS vs NP. I'm looking more into the CNS program b/c I've heard there's more patient interaction than with a NP. I was told NP are for more diagnostic purposes. Is any of this true. I want to do something that allows me to stay with my patients. Anything helps.

[danceluver]

Just wondering, can an NP who has specialized in women's health (CNM or WHNP or FNP), fill the role of a perinatal CNS? Or does the their MSN need to be a CNS degree? Thanks!

[RNJohnny23]

The last thing you want is to be in a position where you have to EXPLAIN your role to an employer. If there's any confusion, then the job will go to the FNP.

+1,000,000

The more research I do into this whole APN "thing." The less I want to do it. Especially, since my specialty is and would be Perioperative. That's a frickin' mess.

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

I agree completely. I've been intersted in these issues and following the developments within the advanced practice roles since the 1970's, and I get confused. I feel sorry for young nurses today trying to decide on a career path for themselves. They have too many choices and too many people in authority each trying to "sell" their particular program.

This is me exactly! I just emailed my DON asking what of those is a benefit to my hospital system. I'm loyal to my current employer, but who knows where I'll be down the road. I figured getting information where I live/work is the best place to start.

I feel moved more to the extender role, but I want to also do patient care, of sorts.

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

As an aside, one of the physicians I work with was a nurse before she went to med school. I just love working with her as she is thorough, competent and very, very caring. So...is this due to exposure to a nursing theory or because she is practicing holistic care?

Am not sure. All I know is that she is a dynamite physician.

\

I have wonderful and similar issues with physician's who were nurses first. In my experience, they are the most receptive when it comes to communicating my recommendations to the patient. (using the SBAR) But they are that way anyway. I'm sure some of their nurse-life spills over into their behavior as a physician because they remember being on the other side of the coin. However, I've worked with some physicians who have NOT been a nurse and display this. For some, it matters, for others it doesn't.

Now, there are many physicians, especially in specialties, have NO idea what nurses do, aside from the 'handservant' role. Once, a urologist told me that I wasn't acting like an RN because something wasn't set up just as he wanted. At the end of the day, I apologized and assured him that wouldn't happen again, but I told him that I didn't go to medical school not because I couldn't, but because I didn't want to.

I digress, I feel that no matter what you practice as an APN, that foundation has been set. You may expand your role to more medical, but that basis upon which you built it can only serve you for the better.