NP/CNS--Is critical care experience necessary?

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What's your opininon? Do you think that a nurse practioner or CNS in cardiology should be experienced in critical care?

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Specializes in NICU.
What's your opininon? Do you think that a nurse practioner or CNS in cardiology should be experienced in critical care?

YES

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:) Where do you indtend to p ractice?

What's your opininon? if you intend to practice in an outpatient setting then no. However if you intend to practice in a hospital setting then definitely. Many cardiac docs like ICU or step down nurses because of their strong cardiac background. Do you think that a nurse practioner or CNS in cardiology should be experienced in critical care?
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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.
What's your opininon? Do you think that a nurse practioner or CNS in cardiology should be experienced in critical care?

No, it is not necessary. It all depends on where you plan to practice and what your focus will be. I am currently in a CNS program. I have no critical care experience and I have not noticed that I am at a significant disadvantage from my classmates.

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No, it is not necessary. It all depends on where you plan to practice and what your focus will be. I am currently in a CNS program. I have no critical care experience and I have not noticed that I am at a significant disadvantage from my classmates.

The programs I have investigated so far require 1-2 years of CC experience before acceptance to their program. Do you mind me asking what school you are attending?

Cheri :)

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

Doesn't it depend on the type of AP you want to be? I wouldn't want someone coming into NICU that has never worked in one before, so I would think it would be the same anywhere else.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.
The programs I have investigated so far require 1-2 years of CC experience before acceptance to their program. Do you mind me asking what school you are attending?

Cheri :)

No I don't mind you asking. I am sending you a PM.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm going to do a CNS and I have one year in ICU and 9 years in the ER (level one trauma center). However, I don't think it is a requirement.

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No I don't mind you asking. I am sending you a PM.

The programs I have been researching are all distance education programs so that maybe a reason that they have all required some CC experience for entrance into the program.

Cheri :)

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I'm not sure just yet....I was just wondering what the norm is...and it looks like some posters say it depends on what you actually want to do with it. I used to work with a Resp/med-surg floor nurse. She did 1year of floor work after a bsn and then went for her NP/master's....so I guess I wanted opinions from y'all. Thanks for all the posting guys! Much appreciated.:)

:) Where do you indtend to p ractice?
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Hi Sharon: what type of master's are you pursuing? What do you want to do?

HOpe it is ok to ask! :specs:

No, it is not necessary. It all depends on where you plan to practice and what your focus will be. I am currently in a CNS program. I have no critical care experience and I have not noticed that I am at a significant disadvantage from my classmates.
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I'm going to do a CNS and I have one year in ICU and 9 years in the ER (level one trauma center). However, I don't think it is a requirement.

Your goals and progress are impressive and very inspiring! I wish the best in your next educational milestone!

Cheri :)

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