Wait listed for FNP program but offered admission to CNS program

PetsToPeople · May 14, 2012

I thought the CNS's are being phased out?

SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS · May 14, 2012

The two programs may require many of the same classes. The 3 P's would be the same, and probably at least a few others. You could take the classes that overlap first, and then see if a spot in the FNP program opens up later.

Trauma Columnist · May 14, 2012

CNS is NOT being phased out. However, with the ANCC Consensus Model, the scope of practice differences between NP and CNS are being blurred.

I agree with Hey Suz - get started, the three P's are the same and then see what opens up.

fallinnstyle · May 14, 2012

Thanks!

I looked at the course plan for both programs and CNS students take Advanced Patho and Health Assessment in the fall with the FNP students (there's a CNS clinical component in that term, but not too many hours to scare me), then in the Spring, Pharmacology.

I think I will go ahead and do that, maybe I can get into a spring start program and be ahead of the game with those classes out of the way.

NancyMSN · Oct 14, 2012

I'll tell you my story, which directly relates. I had applied to 2 FNP programs and one CNS program, although I wasn't that familiar with the CNS role. I was wait-listed for the FNP program, just as you were, but was accepted into the CNS program. I decided to accept the offer of admission to the CNS program, and so I registered for classes, ordered books, etc. The VERY NEXT DAY, the FNP program that wait-listed me sent me an offer of admission. As I had already registered for the CNS program, I decided to stay where I was. But I'll be honest with you, I've regretted that decision. I am now a CNS, and I completed the program with a 3.91 GPA. But half way through the program, it became apparent that, at least in this area (I'm in southeastern Virginia), the CNS role is indeed a muddy role. Very difficult to articulate. Even going to the CNS conference 2 years ago in Baltimore, the common thread is that even experienced CNSs have trouble answering the question "so what do CNSs DO??". I am now applying for acceptance into post-master's FNP certification program. I should have followed my gut from the beginning. It's entirely up to you, of course, but do alot of research, talk to a lot of people, and follow your heart as you make this decision. That's the best advice I can give you. One thing I do know is that the CNS role varies from state to state, so you may not have the same problems as I have. Good Luck!

buzzalong · Nov 2, 2012

...do alot of research, talk to a lot of people, and follow your heart as you make this decision. That's the best advice I can give you. One thing I do know is that the CNS role varies from state to state, so you may not have the same problems as I have...

So true! I'm in an AGNP program now in California and I'm strongly considering switching to an AGCNS program. The roles seem to be distinct enough in CA to where the CNS would be more teaching (either continued ed as in seminars/workshops/nurse educator types role, or clinical educator for Nurse students) or to patient educator (once certified in a particular area-as in a diabetes patient educator). Also, they do research to either aid in their teaching/presenting, but also to create/revise policies. A CNS also does consulting, particularly once you're certified in a particular area. From what I've read, they prefer CNS' to be Legal Nurse Consultants (LNC) because they know best practice and the latest research. From my understanding, a CNS will continue to be in demand--especially as they consolidate exams (ie: AHCNS and GCNS to become AGCNS in April 2014) and as they create combined masters preparation as in a CNS-ED, preparing MSNs to take the CNS exam of their focus along with the Nurse Educator exam.