New to Nursing World

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I am a new grad RN, but I like to plan my future accordingly and have goals.

One field that is very interesting is CNS.

I've googled around but haven't found any resourceful websites to really explain what they do. I've only become interested because my 2nd interview was with a CNS at a hospital.

Anyone mind explaining their position and expectations?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Whew! We have many different roles. I've been a CNS for almost 10 years now and I practice in a state where CNS=APRN. I see pts, diagnose, treat, etc and have the exact same job duties as my NP co-workers.

I do not operate in the "true" CNS role which is more of a change agent. However, in this day and age of healthcare BUSINESS, it is better to be able to generate income for your hospital, practice, etc..

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

The CNS role has been squeezed out by the NP and then the CNL. It may make a comeback. I work now in a APRN role on a geriatric psych unit and the program director is (or maybe was) a CNS. I think she let it lapse. My CNS education in psychiatry was largely clinical but there was a system focus (change agent, I guess), which is valuable. I now do locums tenens and it is helpful to be attuned to the system as well as the clinical work.

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I believe in my state of California, CNS operates as APRN since it requires basically the same education.

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