Difference between NP and CNS?

Hello, nurse2be1206,

Check out this thread iin the CNS forum for an answer to your question:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f119/different-roles-cnss-come-guys-share-what-you-do-182191.html

Hi there - I'm an adult health CNS in IL. At least in IL, they still exist - lol. My role is more closely aligned with the NP role. I work in a large nephrology practice and see pts in two chronic hemodialysis clinics on a weekly basis. I assess, plan interventions, write scripts, order/interpret tests - exactly what the other three FNPs do.

The CNS role is more that of an educator and change agent. They typically care for pts in a hospital unit that cares for a specific population, ie orthopedics, open heart, neuro, etc. They may or may not provide hands on care. In the hospital, they are not usually in an APN role but that can be different with each job.

In IL, the APNs (NP, CNS, CNM, CRNA) all have the same nurse practice and the same prescriptive authority. Now, if you are not in an APN role, you just wouldn't apply for prescriptive authority.

At my hospital, we have taken some of the CNS roles and combined them with a Staff Development role. The result is a role that is much like the original CNS roles (clinical resource for staff, change agent, etc.) with a heavy dose of staff education.

llg - are your CNS's considered APNs either in your state or facility? Thank you.