License Renewal for Clinical Specialist

core0 · Jul 3, 2008

Does a CS have to have a certain number of practice hours to renew their license? How often must a CS renew?
Does a CS have a special license in the first place that they must renew? In addition to their basic RN license, that is? I know an NP has to renew every few years and an NP has to have a certain number of practice hours and CE hours. I am wondering if it's the same for CS.

You will probably get more answers in the CNS forum, but ANCC CNS' must re certify every 5 years. They need practice hours and other contact hours. Here is the CNS recertification form:

http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Certification/CertificationRenewal/RenewalofCertification.aspx

Other certification centers may be different.

David Carpenter, PA-C

Vito Andolini · Jul 4, 2008

Thanks, Dave. I believe I need the other certifier.

You have answered my basic question, though, and I thank you. If you know the name of the other certifier, could you let me know? Thanks again.

Vito Andolini · Jul 4, 2008

Question: Can a CS who never sees patients claim to have the number of practice hours required to renew?

What do "see" and "practice" actually mean?

What is the meaning of "is"? It's kind of like that.

core0 · Jul 4, 2008

Thanks, Dave. I believe I need the other certifier.
You have answered my basic question, though, and I thank you. If you know the name of the other certifier, could you let me know? Thanks again.

Generally ANCC, ONCC (oncology) and AACCN (critical care) are the accepted certifiers. There may be others depending on the state and some states don't recognize the CNS.

As far as see and practice it would be up to the certifying organization. However California for example defines the five components of the CNS role as:

Expert Clinical practice

Education

Research

Consultation

Clinical leadership

Its easy to see how someone in a CNS role might not ever deal with a patient face to face depending on the exact duties.

David Carpenter, PA-C

Vito Andolini · Jul 4, 2008

Dave, do you know what certifying body grants its certified people the right to use "BS" after their name?

And by "see", I mean does the CS have to examine patients or spend any time with patients? Or is chart review, review of issues perhaps, enough to count as the required practice hours for renewal?