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Discussion

RN to MSN for CNS?

Hello all!

I am interested in starting school (AGAIN) in 2017 to do an RN to MSN program (I have a Bachelor's, but it's in animal science. So some credits do tranfer). I want to become a clinical nurse specialist (not sure which specialty yet) so I'm wondering if I have to look for a specific program that has a CNS option? Or do I just look for Master's programs? Or is there a different terminology for clinical nurse specialist that I should be looking for when looking at schools?

Any information would be helpful. Hope this post wasn't too confusing. Thanks!

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    An MSN is still an entry level degree - it's for CNL- but you would still be practicing at the bedside as a RN. CNS is degree requiring MS. In my state they are recognized as an APRN but that varies. My grad program was for acute care NP plus CNS- so I took clinicals and didactic for both NP and CNS and sat for both certifying exams. There was no specialization in my CNS degree but that may differ with various programs.

    The benefit of getting MSN now is that you would be able to skip some of the graduate level programs , for ex research at my school. Also those students didn't have to write a comp thesis because they did it as part of their MSN. Hope that clarifies a bit.

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    • Expert

    There are direct-entry MSN programs that offer the CNS option. You just need to look for them. Yes, you do have to complete a CNS program in order to be eligible for board certification as a CNS; not just any MSN will do.

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    • Expert

    Please take your time to explore your CNS options prior to committing. I'm a CNS and everyone who knows me here at AN knows how much I regret my decision to obtain not one but two CNS certifications.

    Please look at your end-goals.

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    I guess I have a different perspective. I did a dual focus MSN - Critical Care CNS & Education - and have never regretted it. Like many large organizations, mine has recognized the value of CNS roles in acute care. CNS's are prepared to elevate clinical practice via quality improvement / research activities as well as educating and coaching the staff. We've found that they are very effective in improving physician-nurse collaboration. We also employ NPs, but they don't have the same generalist skill set since their preparation is completely focused on patient care & the resulting relationship with physicians is different.

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    • Author

    Thank you for all this information! It's been very helpful. I have a lot of research to do :)

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