What is the difference?

TMnurse · Mar 9, 2004

I was always under the impression that CNS focus a lot of time on patient education and research. Where NPs are more clinical in pt care. Check around the web... I did read a reference on the web... I think it was the ANA website or some MAJOR nursing website that explained the major difference. Also, I am pretty sure all NP schools require a BSN where most/all CNS schools only require ADN to get in.

Trauma Columnist · Mar 9, 2004

At least in Illinois, a clinical nurse specialist must be an MSN prepared RN - same with NP. Also - national certifications must be obtained after you get the MSN in order to practice.

J_W, DNP, APRN, CNS · Mar 9, 2004

It depends on where the CNS or NP practices. I went through a MSN program for CNSs, that allowed me to obtain perscriptive authority, although my current position I have no need for it, I do have perscriptive authority number fromthe BNE of TX...I believe all CNS programs require a BSN. Most programs (CNS/NP/CRNA/CNM) have an ADN/Dip to MSN program, I know my program did...That track the person receives a BSN along the way.. I would look at the board of nurse examiners website for your state and look at the practice acts governing APN....I know in TX the four APN roles are CRNA, CNS, NP, and CNM, all require an MSN degree and national certifying exam...Hope this helps....

elkpark · Mar 9, 2004

There are no "NP schools" or "CNS schools," there are only MSN programs in clinical specialties that prepare you for the clinical role and certification. All CNS certifications now require an MSN, although there are some folks around who got grandfathered in from the old "certificate" days (the same is true of NPs). I am a child psych CS, and my jobs have all been direct patient care (outpatient as well as inpatient settings), although I have done some policy and program development and staff education as part of my job (certainly not the focus). I am currently working as a mental health consultant for my state (which is still about direct patient care, now that I think about it). Most of the other CNSs I have known (in many specialties) have also worked in direct patient care. There's a reason why the generic term is clinical nurse specialist!

There is a great deal of variety out there, and what options are available to you depends on employers (and what they are willing to pay you to do! :) ) as much as anything.

There's plenty of literature out there about the differences between CNSs and NPs, so I won't bother getting into it. A lot of the differences have to do with the different origins of the two roles, which is an interesting read. Both roles have grown and evolved in recent years, but nurse practitioners were originally developed to be physician extenders in primary care settings (analagous, if you will, to family practice or GP docs) and CNSs were originally developed to be clinical experts in one specific specialty area (analagous to specialist docs). Best wishes with whatever you decide --

Renee' Y-Y · Mar 9, 2004

CNS - as I understand it, is more clinical/bedside/education - many are hired by hospitals to work in specialty areas to "oversee" patient care & staff education. NP's - are more like "physician extenders" - many are hired by physicians to "extend" themselves with patients, although I do know of some who work for hospitals in a similar role as CNS. Both are MSN level roles. Of the CNS's & NP's I know, the CNS's have better hours as many work for hospitals in a M-F 9-5 type schedule. NP's that work for physicians keep those type of working hours, M-F until the work is done, patients seen, & on-call after hours.

Oreo · Mar 25, 2004

Hi,

I still get a little bit confused between the difference of NP and nurse specialist. So, the main job of nurse specialists are providing nursing education and bedside nursing care? Do they need a license? Can they choose back to work as RN? Does all MSN (with whatever major specialized) can work as an nurse specialist? Do they recognized internationally like a RN? What can they do in other countries? How about the job market of nurse specialist? Sorry for so many questions and thank you for any replies.

nurbac · Apr 1, 2004

The role of the CNS is generally utilized in the hospital setting. Ability to move beyond the scope of the RN varies from state to state (prescriptive authority, etc). Some states require a separate license to practice as a CNS. Typically nurse practitioners work outside the hospital with a collaberating physician. The CNS role can be extremely varied and fun! For instance at my hospital we are primarily patient focused along with staff development. If your interest is prevention of teen pregnancy and perhaps working in an outpatient setting there could be opportunites in either arm of the profession. Look around in your area to see what hospitals have to offer. Working as an NP in a physician's office might be an option, but education is rarely reimbursable and most physician's look to the NP to generate monies for the practice. Good luck whatever you decide!

I have been a nurse for 10 years and have experience in Critical care, school nursing, dialysis and legal nurse consulting. This spring I will be starting my second semester in an MS program. Right now I'm on the CNS pathway but would like to know the difference between a CNS and Nurse Practitioner. I'm thinking of applying to my schools program but would like the know how these professions differ. I know at the last hospital I worked they used the CNS nurses in the education department. This is not really something I'm interested in doing. I'm really interested in the health promotion/prevention aspect of nursing namely the prevention of teenage pregnancy. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Alicia

ChrisA · May 14, 2004

Almost all of the direct entry MS/MSN programs I've been looking at provide concentrations in both NP and CNS areas. So will CNSs typically, for instance, work the whole hospital on "rounds" stopping by several units to check on a specific aspect of patient care?

elkpark · May 14, 2004

ChrisA, there are so many possibilities for CNS roles that it's not really possible to give a reasonable answer to your question (IMHO). It varies greatly depending on the CNS' area of specialization, his or her professional interests, and the specific employer/facility. I'm a child psych CS, and I've worked in quite a wide variety of settings and roles (just myself!)

nurbac · May 16, 2004

The role of the CNS really varies from institution to institution. For instance I am responsible for 5 med/surg units in terms of monitoring standard of care, nurse development, policy review and change. Some CNSs focus on a particular disease process such as CHF or diabetes. Usually you are "assigned" to specific areas. Again, there is not a universal definition of the CNS role and your priviliges will vary from state to state. I practice in Alabama and we are required to have a second license to use the title "CNS" but all states do not require that. Hope this helps some. :)

Almost all of the direct entry MS/MSN programs I've been looking at provide concentrations in both NP and CNS areas. So will CNSs typically, for instance, work the whole hospital on "rounds" stopping by several units to check on a specific aspect of patient care?

ChrisA · May 17, 2004

The role of the CNS really varies from institution to institution. For instance I am responsible for 5 med/surg units in terms of monitoring standard of care, nurse development, policy review and change. Some CNSs focus on a particular disease process such as CHF or diabetes. Usually you are "assigned" to specific areas. Again, there is not a universal definition of the CNS role and your priviliges will vary from state to state. I practice in Alabama and we are required to have a second license to use the title "CNS" but all states do not require that. Hope this helps some. :)

It does, but I've got a few more questions (those who know me will not be surprised. ). For those of you who are CNSs, what percentage of your time would you say is pt contact, and policy management, and education, and research, and further training. One of the programs I'm reviewing has a CNS focus in "Adult care"; does this correspond to a fixed exam with a given licensing body? Would there be a corresponding organization that I could contact for more information?