What sort of job/job title do you hold?

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Specializes in NICU.

Hi everyone -

I am a certified neonatal clinical nurse specialist. These jobs, especially in my home state, are pretty much non-existent. Something I wish I knew when I embarked on this journey. I've been working as a staff RN for the last 7 years despite being certified but am eventually looking into moving on. As a neonatal CNS job is virtually non-existent.. what other job titles do you CNS's hold? I'm open to working in other clinical areas either in hospital or out of hospital, not just neonatal. Please respond with job titles, if possible. This way, when I am searching job openings I have something in mind to look for. Thank you.

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Specializes in CVICU, MICU, Burn ICU.

CNSes can be Staff Developers, Clinical Educators, Quality or Practice Improvement or in management. CNS, IMO, is one of the most versatile grad school programs there are. But you are right --- not always a lot of actual CNS jobs. CNSes can work bedside or they can teach in university. In some cases --- if your program had the 3 P's and CNSes are (in your state) considered APRNs, then you may be able to apply for NP jobs.

Good luck!

One thing to be mindful of is how to maintain your CNS certification. If you are not working in an actual CNS role, you will need to retest, I think, to maintain it. I could be wrong about that.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Agree with above. I'm an adult and peds CNS and my job title is NP

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Specializes in NICU.
On 8/2/2018 at 1:13 PM, NICU<3RN said:

I am a certified neonatal clinical nurse specialist. These jobs, especially in my home state, are pretty much non-existent.

That is so true.and if there is a unit position they will only hire for one opening.We once had a mix of NP and CNS,but they decided an upgrade needed more doctors so all gone.

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Specializes in Family Nursing & Psychiatry.
On 8/3/2018 at 10:08 AM, traumaRUs said:

Agree with above. I'm an adult and peds CNS and my job title is NP

That’s concerning. I would think NP is a protected title. 

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Specializes in Former NP now Internal medicine PGY-3.
19 hours ago, matthewandrew said:

That’s concerning. I would think NP is a protected title. 

First time?

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Specializes in Family Nursing & Psychiatry.
2 hours ago, Tegridy said:

First time?

Won’t be the last. 

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I don't post here often. However, as NP is a protected title, my job description is the same as an NP (just posting to clarify). I identify myself as an APRN-FPA (full-practice authority). 

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Specializes in Neonatal, Parent-Child, Education.

In California to receive state funding via California Children's Services, the NICU and PICUs must have a CNS.  Fortunately, CNSs in CA have been active in influencing these regulations.  See the latest effort on page 99 of Neonatology Today when the state decided that the role could be filled by a "Neonatal Educator," NNP, or CNS https://www.neonatologytoday.net/newsletters/nt-mar21.pdf

So - if you want to move to sunny CA you can probably get a Neonatal CNS position!

I did a research study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29419579/ of CNS students as they transitioned into practice.  This study revealed that many grads assumed non-CNS titled positions.  Some said they were working as a CNS (without the title) but others gave job titles of: Stroke Coordinator, Geriatric Care Coordinator, Advanced Nurse Clinician, Trauma Coordinator, Clinical Educator, etc.

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