I am a 20 something RN with just over 2.5 years of critical care experience under my belt. I have always wanted to go back and get my masters (which now may be my DNP) but I'm having a tough time deciding. I recently hurt my back, so while I recover I may take a clinic job or something away from the bedside. I am not sure I will make it back to the bedside. I am in California where a Clinical Nurse Specialist plays a different role than a Nurse Practitioner. I am much more interested in the education aspect (CNS) vs the provider role (NP), but it seems there is MUCH more demand for NPs than CNS's. Can any CA CNS's chime in with their experience in finding a job they enjoy?