CNS to Post-masters FNP

Specialties NP

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Has anyone ever heard of someone that has done this? Would there be any advantages to being an adult CNS and getting a post-masters certificate as an FNP? (Flexibility, greater earning potential, etc).

Thank you

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hmmmm - I'm interested in this thread too. Right now, I too am an adult health CNS who is considering either FNP or ACNP as a post-MSN certificate. My CNS is already a post-MSN certificate - lol. It would have been nice had I done this right to begin with!

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Why do you say "done this right the first time?" Do you find your CNS degree restrictive?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Yes, that is what I found. I am in a tight APN market (central IL) and there are few positions. My experience is 10 years in a level one trauma center and without peds clinicals and ability to see kids, I am restricted and can not work in the ER. However, it is a moot point anyway, because it is a large teaching hospital and they have a large ER residency program so they don't want the "nurses" to take things away from the residents. (A little vent here, sorry).

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I am an RN and I work in an SICU...Moslty neuro. I am moving and I am thinking of going to graduate school. I was actually thinking of doing both. That is an CNS and an FNP. I really like the neuro ICU, and would like to specialize, but I also do not want to limit myself. The tuition will be free because I am a Texas veteran so I thought the doing to two would "ensure" a good job and good pay.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Depends on what you want to do. In IL where I live CNS's are APNs with the same prescriptive authority as NPs and they are utilized as APNs. I would not be happy in an educator role only and my focus is more the medical model than the nursing model. So...for me, the CNS role was not really what I wanted to do but rather what was available to me in my area.

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I did the CNS track in psych and now doing FNP. I never took certifying exams. Even though most of my work has not been in psych, I'd rather do a psych NP because I like to work with PTSD victims and emotinal problems due to chronic physical illness. But...even with the FNP that might not be too much of a problem.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Zenman - I know of several nurses who did the APN MSN and never took the certifying exams.

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