What allows one more independence? NP or CNS?

elkpark · Dec 18, 2009

Well, that depends on what you want to do, and how you define "independence." Can you be more specific about what you're looking for?

allsmiles2008 · Dec 18, 2009

I definitely want to do higher levels stuff, like be able to write orders, treatments, etc. By independence, I mean, still work in the clinical setting but be able to make my own decisions on treatment plans, and not have to rely solely on the Dr.

There is an NP on one of the hospital floors who basically does what the Dr. does. He reviews labs, diagnostic tests, and writes medication orders, gets feedback fr the primary RNs and writes orders based on this also, as well as tx plans, etc. Like I said, his role is similar to that of a Dr., but he is an NP. This is what I want to do.

Cardiology EP NP · Dec 19, 2009

allsmiles,

It sounds like you are best off to go the NP route. That will give you the most independence. Some places will allow CNS's to do more in an inpatient setting, but to give you the opportunity to be more independent you are best off to get the NP INMHO.

elkpark · Dec 19, 2009

allsmiles,
It sounds like you are best off to go the NP route. That will give you the most independence. Some places will allow CNS's to do more in an inpatient setting, but to give you the opportunity to be more independent you are best off to get the NP INMHO.

Yes, but more and more states are dropping any differentiation (from a licensure/scope of practice perspective) between CNSs and NPs, and treat them basically the same. To some extent, it would depend on which specific state one is talking about.

allsmiles2008 · Dec 21, 2009

I am in California, so if anyone knows of the CNS vs NP role diffs/scope of practice CA, please share. Thank you all for your input!

elkpark · Dec 21, 2009

The scope of practice for the different advanced practice roles in usually spelled out somewhere in the BON's rules/regs, which should be available somewhere on the BON (BRN, in the case of CA) website.

Trauma Columnist · Dec 22, 2009

Here is a link for the CA BRN:

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

allsmiles2008 · Dec 22, 2009

Yes I have read the stuff on the CA BRN website, but I would rather someone who just knows from first hand experience to tell me if they can do NP stuff also. I still dont think the BRNs info is specific enough... its just all this general terminology that does not tell me anything more than what I already sort of know. Thanks for the info and websites anyway, though :)

ROLO · Dec 26, 2009

Yes, but more and more states are dropping any differentiation (from a licensure/scope of practice perspective) between CNSs and NPs, and treat them basically the same. To some extent, it would depend on which specific state one is talking about.

Thank you for bringing this up... I had been meaning to ask, as I have not found this in any literature: IS there a trend for dropping any differentiation between CNSs and NPs? I am really not sure and cannot tell. I have done much research into the CNS role. I started out in an NP program...changed to CNS, as I found a CNS program that looked really "humane"... but now I think I am changing BACK to the NP program, as they already seem to be doing what I would like to do (see patients), eventhough I DO like the other spheres of practice the CNS can address, things the NP has not been typically trained to do.

Cardiology EP NP · Dec 27, 2009

It might worth your time to do a combined CNS/NP program depending on what you would like to specialize in. Or you can get the NP first and go back for the CNS. There are some CNS programs you can actually do online. I also did a combined ANP/CNS program in cardiac health and disease management. The CNS portion was all online. Some of the NP courses were online and most my clinicals were in cardiac care with 3 credit hours in primary care. I say if you are already in school and are interested in both tracks, it may not be a bad idea to do both. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

ROLO · Dec 27, 2009

Thank you, Cardiology, that is an awesome idea. The problem is that I am tired. I have been in school the last 7 years (RN-BSN, EMT, paramedic, working on MSN)! I'm really not lazy, just burnt-out (almost). At this point, I long to be done with my "formal" program. In nursing, one thing is for certain...EDUCATION! In one way or another, all of us nurses will be doing education (CPR, ACLS, PALS, etc.), I just really want to be done with this MSN program!!