Combined CNS and NP

[JulieZDNP, DNP, CNS]

Does any one work as both a CNS and a NP? What does you schedule look like? Is it on the same unit?

I have the opportunity to do both roles in a hybrid position on a MICU but am unsure how to shape the day to day/weekly schedule.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Hi there and welcome. Are you certified as both an NP and CNS? I'm an adult and peds CNS and my scope of practice is as an APN. In IL CNS=NP.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

I think assuming both roles in a MICU setting would be quite hard to juggle if you were to stick to the conventional functions of a CNS and at the same time be an ICU provider.

As an ICU NP myself, the day to day routines revolve around medical management and all the associated procedures and note writing that go along with that. While, I could be an educational resource to nurses as far as explaining rationales for why we do things the way we do from a medical management standpoint, I can’t devote time to ICU nursing education of the RN’s.

I wouldn’t have the time to coordinate CRRT, ECMO, VAD training for the staff nurses much less keep track of which nurses are up to date on specific ICU skills. It might be appealing to have a combined role of CNS and NP on paper but the reality is that you are setting yourself up to perform functions of two separate individuals and being paid as one person.

[JulieZDNP, DNP, CNS]

4 hours ago, traumaRUs said:

Hi there and welcome. Are you certified as both an NP and CNS? I'm an adult and peds CNS and my scope of practice is as an APN. In IL CNS=NP.

Thank you! Yes I’m board certified in both.

[JulieZDNP, DNP, CNS]

1 hour ago, juan de la cruz said:

I think assuming both roles in a MICU setting would be quite hard to juggle if you were to stick to the conventional functions of a CNS and at the same time be an ICU provider.

As an ICU NP myself, the day to day routines revolve around medical management and all the associated procedures and note writing that go along with that. While, I could be an educational resource to nurses as far as explaining rationales for why we do things the way we do from a medical management standpoint, I can’t devote time to ICU nursing education of the RN’s.

I wouldn’t have the time to coordinate CRRT, ECMO, VAD training for the staff nurses much less keep track of which nurses are up to date on specific ICU skills. It might be appealing to have a combined role of CNS and NP on paper but the reality is that you are setting yourself up to perform functions of two separate individuals and being paid as one person.

Thanks for the insight.