MSN then NP???

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

hello NP's I need advice on what route to take. I am interested in either Adult or Family medicine. the school i graduated from has a MSN program for CNS but not for NP. I would like to consider this program because they will accept me without the GRE and my overall gpa isn't that high from undergrad. my question is if I enter this program and graduate as an Adult CNS, what is needed to take the next step for NP?. should i just apply to a NP program?? my school also pays off your loans if you work for them for 2 or 3 years, depending on your contract. thanks in advance for any advice.:)

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We had a few post-masters students in our FNP program, I believe it was called a certification for them. When they applied for the boards they had to submit all transcripts plus whatever it was they got from the program.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm an adult health CNS in IL and much depends (at least for me) on your state's practice act. In IL, I can see pts >16 years of age. The NP and CNS have the same exact nurse practice act - we are all APNs. I did the CNS as a post-MSN certificate.

However, in order to see the birth to grave patients, one must either add a peds cert or do a FNP. I have not been able to find any FNP program that will give me any credit for the CNS so my only option is to do a peds cert if I go that route.

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Specializes in Emergency Room.
I'm an adult health CNS in IL and much depends (at least for me) on your state's practice act. In IL, I can see pts >16 years of age. The NP and CNS have the same exact nurse practice act - we are all APNs. I did the CNS as a post-MSN certificate.

However, in order to see the birth to grave patients, one must either add a peds cert or do a FNP. I have not been able to find any FNP program that will give me any credit for the CNS so my only option is to do a peds cert if I go that route.

i live in chicago. so can a CNS apply for a NP position and be recognized as a provider??. i'm a little confused about that, i didn't know that CNS and NP were the same.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Yes. I actually work in a large nephrology practice in central IL. We have 3 PAs, 3 FNPs and me (adult health CNS). All of the NPs and me do the same exact job, get reimbursed the same and collect the same salary (differences made of course for experience and years with company).

And I must clarify that this is IL only. There are several states where CNS is NOT recognized as an APN. (Needless to say I won't be moving anytime soon - lol).

You might find some interesting reading at the IL Society of Advanced Practice Nurses http://www.isapn.org

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