MikeR26

Yes, I had found that as well. But I had thought in order to be considered an APN you had to pass a national certification exam. I know CNS is a APN role so it just doesn't make sense to me. And I'm suppose to do a presentation on perinatal CNS! Thank you for your help.

I understand their is no national certification exam for perinatal clinical nurse specialists (CNS). Do they take the Adult Health CNS certification exam in order to obtain their license and practice as a CNS? Or do they not have to take a certification exam? Please help if you can. Thanks!

You're right to want to give your patient's pain medication if they are in pain and there is a doctor's order for it. You are your patients' advocate so I recommend continuing to ask the RNs to give them the prescribed medication. Pain is what the patient says it is, not what the RN thinks it is.

I had night clinicals last semester. Try to rest and sleep in the morning/day before the night clinical. I would always drink coffee before the shift started and then I would have more during lunch break (They will probably have some for you there). I would recommend spending time with your nurse and helping them anyway you can. Night shifts are slower so you may be able to get to know your nurse better and who knows they might recommend you for a job opening if you make a good enough impression. Study your patients' charts, meds, and disease processes. Definitely bring study material when you have a test.