Confused about the difference...CNS/NP

Hi there. The differences between CNS and NP is the roles that their employer assigns them. I am an adult health CNS in Illinois. In IL, there is no differentiation between CNS, NP, CNM or CRNA. We all have the same requirements and we all have the same prescriptive authority. I just graduated in May though and here are some of the jobs that I applied for:

1. CNS in a med/surg/neuro unit as the educator for the nursing staff.

2. CNS in a dermatology office doing acne care.

3. CNS in a hospital weaning vent-dependent acute-care patients.

4. CNS in a nephrology practice medically managing dialysis pts (the job I chose).

The education for an NP versus CNS is not much different. The NP is focused more on outpatient or clinic care though and they receive more education about billing for services and how to chart to get more billed. The CNS gets more education about education of nursing staff and patients.

You might find it interesting to contact some advanced practice nurses in your area and see what they are doing - maybe shadow for a day or so. I think for many of us the lines between CNS and NP are being blurred. Good luck - let me know if there is anything else I can help with.

Hello, Steelbutterfly84 and welcome to allnurses.com

I want to thank traumaRUs for the input about the CNS.

I am NP and have worked in outpatient clinics. I have prescription authority and hospital privileges where I do ED call on weekends. My practice is in Family practice; I admit, order/interpret dx studies, consult/refer as appropriate to the physician/s, tx and discharge.

As for pediatric CNS, I've not seen a program specific for that. Might be one, but since I'm no expert with the CNS, I cannot help you there. There are programs for the pediatric NP, however.

Good luck with your decision/s. And, enjoy the site.