Guess I just don't understand...

Trauma Columnist · Nov 18, 2008

I was in the same boat as you! Figured I would NEVER EVER EVER want to leave the bedside - that I would be there till I died - lol! Life has a way of changing our paths, doesn't it?

A CNS has an MSN with a CNS focus. I always encourage folks thinking of the MSN that you need to narrow your job search and then see what type of MSN you need to accomplish your goal. A CNS can have many focuses: education, staff development, leadership, or advanced practice. An MSN in management and leadership is NOT necessary.

I did an MSN in management and leadership only because that was what was offered at the school I went to. However, I had no clear-cut goal and because of that, I went back to school after the MSN for a post-MSN CNS. I don't advise this route as it is much wasted time and $$$.

Also - if you want to go the advanced practice route, ensure that your state recognizes CNS as such. I live in IL and CNS, NP, CNM, CRNA are all considered APN with prescriptive authority, ability to see and care for pts, etc.. Not all states do though.

llg is also a CNS and if she doesn't come here to this thread, you might email her (you can PM after you get 15 posts) and ask her some questions. She is in staff development and has been a CNS for many years. Has great experiences and ideas.

BTW - are in Alaska? I lived at Ft Greeley for a couple of years.

AKnurseOB · Nov 18, 2008

Thanks for the clarification. My husband is also a nurse, and he's toying with the idea of MSN/MBA/MHA. Seems like a tough load for me. I just had no idea whatsoever about how to embark on the CNS path. There is no clear-cut information on it anywhere. It got a little daunting.

I'm from Sitka, Alaska originally. Loved it there and we plan to go back after my husband retires from the military.

I'll look up the username llg and see if she's addressed this in any of her past posts. Thanks again for the referral.

Did you do a distance course or on-site learning?

Trauma Columnist · Nov 18, 2008

I did my BSN and MSN via University of Phoenix and then did my post-MSN at a local college of nursing. My hubby is retired Air Force!

Whispera, MSN, RN · Nov 21, 2008

When I was in graduate school getting my MSN, we were told that on graduation, we would be CNS's. That didn't mean we'd be certified though. That requires a dreaded test. :nurse:

Trauma Columnist · Nov 21, 2008

Whispera - what type of CNS are you? I did the adult health program and work in a nephrology practice and part time in an ER.

llg, PhD, RN · Nov 21, 2008

As TraumaRUs said, it is a good idea to check out the Nurse Practice Act of your state as it relates to advanced practice and also to research the advanced practice culture in your region as you make decisions about which MSN program to attend, etc. You will find a lot of variation in roles and edcuational requirements across the country.

I got an MSN many years ago -- before there were specific programs that were labeled as being designed specifically for CNS roles, etc. So, my MSN is in a clinical area (Perinatal Nursing) and I took both nursing education and nursing admnistration courses as electives to give me a very well-rounded education at the Master's level. I have held a variety of positions/roles over the years as I have moved around the country. Sometimes, my title has been CNS and I have worked in a specific NICU doing staff development, project management, writing new policies, running parent groups, etc. Currently, I am housed in the Staff Development Department and do some teaching, research, project management, etc.

Trauma Columnist · Nov 21, 2008

Thanks llg - I knew you would come by.