Where to begin this? How?

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Hi there, I am an LPN and have finished most of my pre reqs for getting into the RN program, but I am not sure if that is my career path. I love nursing, but want more, and I am 50 years old.

I feel I may be too old to do more, but I want more!!!! How do I go about in the State of TN to become a CNS? I am not sure about pay, what exactly they do, but I would like to advance my career.

Do I need to get my RN, then get my associates or bachelors degree? This is where I am unsure about? Then from there what?

Can anyone guide me on the path to this career? Or something like this???

Rose, LPN

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

A Clinical Nurse Specialist is an advanced practice role that requires a master's degree in nursing in a CNS program.

NACNS :: National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

This should help you get started. (And 50 is not too old- I'm 60 and just started a doctoral program!)

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Hi there, thanks for the info. I had submitted a nursing ethics question and not sure yet, but where I work, urgent care, is allowing receptionist with not much than watching injections given be able to do this. Its called cross training where I work and I don't like it. I went to school for a reason, but this is totally unacceptable to me. Also they are asking we give injections to patients if the patient brings in a vial such as allergy injection. I told them I will not do this, I won't give anyone an injection with not knowing where the vial came from, who prescribed it, and why don't they go back to where they got it and get an injection? I will not do this!!!!!

rose, so tell me, what you think of those practices?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I'm not sure what this post has to do with becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist......

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Specializes in nursing education.

Hi Rose, to answer your original question, CNS is like RN but "more" so you need to know that nursing, and a particular kind of nursing, is for you before starting that journey. There are RN to MSN programs you can do, most will recommend experience before going forward. As for your second question, you can start a new thread in its appropriate section.

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