State of CA CNS vs. NP

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Are they the same in California? Does anyone know? Can CNS also prescribe meds, diagnose, etc?

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Here is a link for (hopefully) the info you are requesting:

http://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/regulations/npr-b-24.pdf

I have looked at that site and it still doesnt answer my questions. It is so general. I basically want to know: 1) Can I diagnose? 2) Write orders? 3) Write prescriptions 4) Order & Interpret diagnostic labs & tests

In other words, do what Doctors, NPs do....

I have never heard of any nurse having prescriptive authority other than a NP.

According to this link: http://www.cacnsnetwork.com/legislative.html as late as 2008, there was no prescriptive authority for CNS.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

If you want to prescribe and that is not allowed, join an APN organization and legislate to get prescriptive authority.

Specializes in progressive care, respiratory.

I have the same question regarding CNS vs. NP, but in Florida...anybody have a link for some info ??

Specializes in progressive care, respiratory.

Also, does anybody know if CNS' in FL are considered advanced practice nurses?? Thanks in advance !!

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Nope - doesn't look like CNS's are APRNs in FL:

"Florida will recognize the title CNS as an upgrade to the RN license but CNSs will not have the title of Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP). "

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/nur_CNS_info.html

Thanks everyone for the great info! That was very helpful and will help me in making my decision on Masters programs.

Specializes in progressive care, respiratory.

Thanks for the reply & link, traumaRUs !! So is there a difference between ARNP's and APN's ?? I'm a little confused...if i was a CNS, does that still qualify me as an Advanced Practice Nurse even though I'm not an actual Practitioner?

Also, has anybody heard of a CNS taking on a position in more of a small clinic setting as opposed to a hospital?? I would assume they would practice more like a ARNP...but is that ever an option, or is a CNS restricted to a hospital setting?? hope this makes sense !! Thanks !

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

APN or APRN are just titles that each state uses. In IL, for instance its APN (advanced practice nurse), in FL, seems likes its APRN (advanced practiced RN). The ANCC uses APRN as its designation but you end up using whatever title you state dictates.

I work in a large nephrology group and work primarily in two dialysis units handling the medical needs of 200 pts. I take call every 5th weekend in two hospitals where I round on our nephrology pts, do consults, dictate, etc.

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