Phasing out CNS

marigoldey · Sep 13, 2016

Or, I guess I should say the CNS credential (not degree). The degree is an MSN.

Trauma Columnist · Sep 13, 2016

I'm an adult and peds CNS (two post-MSN certifications) and I would NEVER advise anyone to go the CNS route.

The reasons are multiple:

1. CNS IS an APRN role but has lost favor to the NP

2. CNS is NOT accepted as APRN in ALL states

3. If you are in a CNS role that is NOT APRN, you are not bringing in $$$ to your employer and your job could easily be on the chopping block.

I've been a CNS for 10 years.

elkpark · Sep 13, 2016

The psych CNS credentials have already been eliminated. I don't know what's happening with the med-surg CNSs. I think this is a big loss for nursing. Once we're all gone, y'all will miss us.

marigoldey · Sep 13, 2016

Why are the CNSs being eliminated? Who is eliminating them, state BONs?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Sep 13, 2016

The LARGE hospital system I used to work for got rid of 90% of them- and the ones remaining have been turned into the 'bundle police'. Very sad.

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 13, 2016

A lot of hospitals are not using them anymore -- substituting people with other focuses. For example, they'll hire Nursing Professional Development Specialists, and Quality Improvement Specialists, and Program Coordinators, Case Managers, Discharge Planners, Infection Control Specialists, Would Care Specialists, Pain Specialists, etc. ... for the types of jobs that CNS's used to do.

I used to be a CNS a long, long time ago. But I switched to Nursing Professional Development back in 2001.

SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS · Sep 13, 2016

I went to a wonderful CNS program, graduated, then was told by our CNO that "We are hiring CNL's now." The couple of CNS's who remain in that hospital system will not be replaced.

In my PhD class yesterday, we did our initial intros and two others, like me, got their MSN's in CNS and have never worked as a CNS. We're all in other MSN roles. Education's been a good fit. But those trained as NP's have been working as NP's from day one.

My main point here, is see what is being hired in your area. MSN can be versatile (NP's can work as educators, as well) but it is disappointing to have that dream CNS job never materialize, and a AGCNS credential that I will never use.

Trauma Columnist · Sep 13, 2016

I'm both an adult health CNS and peds CNS and both certifications are "retired" which is an absurdly stupid term as I must cont to work another 10 years.

Nursing is a profession that had I to repeat myself would not do...should have stayed active duty!

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Sep 14, 2016

This is interesting as the current push in the Air Force is to use them more. I'll file this one away and have it handy the next time someone tries to push me along that track (because that's already happening).

The Army is already using CNLs and started that about four years ago.

PG2018 · Sep 15, 2016

This is interesting as the current push in the Air Force is to use them more. I'll file this one away and have it handy the next time someone tries to push me along that track (because that's already happening).
The Army is already using CNLs and started that about four years ago.

What's USAF doing with them?

karnicurnc, MSN, APRN, CNS · Oct 26, 2016

I am a neonatal CNS who graduated in May of last year. My hospital paid for me to go to school as the state requires a CNS in a Level III or higher NICU. I am 1 of 11 CNS's in my hospital (a large teaching/tertiary regional facility) and we are well-utilized in the system. I have received offers from other centers looking for a neonatal CNS, so maybe it depends on what your focus is on. I am lucky to have quite a bit of autonomy in my role, and for that I am grateful. When I went to school I was 1 of 2 neonatal CNS students and our plan of study was a hybrid - taking classes with NNP students and adult CNS students. This year that school opened up a dedicated neonatal CNS track.