MSN - CNS vs. MSN - Nurse Education

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Specializes in ER.

I am currently working on my MSN with a focus in nursing education. My desire after graduation is to find a position in the clinical setting (preferably an ER). I have been purusing through job ads noticing some states prefer a CNS educating their ER nursing staff instead of a masters prepared nurse educator. Is anyone else finding this issue? Should I be concerned with my chosen path? In practice, I have seen both in this position. I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance that there will be a job with my name on it! ;)

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Much depends on your area. In my area, the CNS with clinical focus of ER (and lots of ER experience) will land you the job.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

In my area of the county, you would have no problems ... assuming you have significant clinical experience in ER and are certified as an ER nurse. I would highly recommend getting certified in the clinical area to enhance your clinical credentials if your MSN is not going to be clinically focused.

Personally, I like the combination of clinical certification plus and MSN in nursing education for people in staff development roles. I think it is just as good as a clinically focused MSN and certification in Nursing Professional Development. What is not-so-good is people who are certified and have their MSN's with the same focus (either education or clinical care). They tend to be strong in half of their job and weak in the other half.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Good points llg!

So...to the original poster - you have a couple of viewpoints and hopefully will get some more. I would suggest researching what your ER wants if that is where you want to work.

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Specializes in ER.

Many thanks to the suggestions!

Luckily, my background is strong in ER, soon to be CEN cert, my current track is MSN - Nursing Education (graduating 3/2011), and I am unattached (free to land in any part of the country).

Again, thank you for the replies!

Happy New Year!

TJ

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