ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING ROLES: NP vs. CNS

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Roles

The United States is home to nearly a quarter of a million advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Of these, the vast majority chose to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) leading to licensure as a nurse practitioner (NP). The second most common choice is an MSN program leading to certification or recognition as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Both pathways provide the preparation necessary for greater responsibility and autonomy as a medical professional. NPs make the transition from care provider to care prescriber, while CNSs become the best-practice experts for their healthcare organization. The care settings are distinct, as well, with many NPs practicing in underserved rural communities and inner-city neighborhoods and CNSs practicing in hospitals and extended-care facilities. To better understand the similarities and differences in NP and CNS roles this essay will examine in...
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