NP or CNS

Hello, viveca6,

It all depends on what you want to do. See this thread for the differences/similarities of the two:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f119/different-roles-cnss-come-guys-share-what-you-do-182191.html

I see you asked about phasing out the CNS in another thread. Many states combine the two, NP and CNS. I know Illinois does. traumaRUs is a CNS in Illinois and an administrator here. You might ask her about this.

Hi there...I actually did both my BSN and MSN at UofP. I did a post-MSN adult health CNS...here is my answer from the other thread:

"Hi there - I'm an adult health CNS in IL. At least in IL, they still exist - lol. My role is more closely aligned with the NP role. I work in a large nephrology practice and see pts in two chronic hemodialysis clinics on a weekly basis. I assess, plan interventions, write scripts, order/interpret tests - exactly what the other three FNPs do.

The CNS role is more that of an educator and change agent. They typically care for pts in a hospital unit that cares for a specific population, ie orthopedics, open heart, neuro, etc. They may or may not provide hands on care. In the hospital, they are not usually in an APN role but that can be different with each job.

In IL, the APNs (NP, CNS, CNM, CRNA) all have the same nurse practice and the same prescriptive authority. Now, if you are not in an APN role, you just wouldn't apply for prescriptive authority."