Traumanurse11

Are most CNS roles going to be mostly the same thing as that in VA? I have tried looking up job descriptions here but have been unsuccessful in finding many. I just want to make sure it will be worthwhile for me to pursue this degree when I still want to have an active bedside role. Thanks for the help.

Well there is one CNS in our department and she has a desk job where she coordinates the trauma education and presents for the TNCC and ENPC classes provided by our hospital. I am interested in doing hospital education on trauma but I really don't want to fully leave the bedside because I am still learning the trauma role firsthand. I just am unsure if this is the best route for me to take. I want the advanced knowledge and training but don't think I want to function in the role of an NP.

Hello all! I have worked in a Level II trauma center in Virginia since I was 19. I am now almost 24 and have been an RN there for two years. I have my BSN and am currently looking into ODU's Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator program. My main drive for going back to school is because I want more knowledge specific to acute and trauma care and think that I would like to help educate with this knowledge. At this point in my career, I don't think that I want to be an NP, but I definitely do NOT want to leave the bedside completely. I know that CNSs do not have as much autonomy in VA and do not have privileges to prescribe. I haven't been able to find many resources to help me decide if this track would be the best one for me. Since this program is not labeled as an "acute care CNS" will I still be able to focus on trauma care? I have looked through the school's curriculum and emailed faculty but I have yet to receive a response. Thanks for any help!