Is becoming a clinical nurse specialist right for me?
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How to become a Clinical Nurse Specialist
Becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) typically involves several steps, including completing advanced education and obtaining licensure. Here's an overview of the typical pathway to becoming a CNS:
- Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): The first step is to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from an accredited institution. This undergraduate degree provides the foundational knowledge and clinical skills needed to practice as a registered nurse (RN).
- Gain Experience as a Registered Nurse (RN): After earning a BSN, aspiring CNSs typically gain experience as a registered nurse. This may involve working in various clinical settings to develop a solid foundation in nursing practice and patient care.
- Pursue Advanced Education: To become a CNS, individuals must complete a graduate-level nursing program that focuses on clinical specialization. This typically involves earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a concentration in the desired specialty area, such as adult-gerontology, pediatric, or psychiatric-mental health nursing.
- Choose a Specialty Area: As part of their MSN program, aspiring CNSs choose a specialty area in which to focus their studies and clinical practice. This allows them to develop expertise in a particular area of nursing practice, such as critical care, oncology, or women's health.
- Obtain Certification: While certification requirements for CNSs vary by state and specialty area, many CNSs choose to pursue certification through a recognized nursing organization, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). Certification demonstrates proficiency in the specialty area and may be required for licensure or employment in some states and healthcare organizations (see below).
- Obtain Licensure: Once individuals have completed their education and any required certifications, they must obtain licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) from their state board of nursing. Licensure requirements vary by state but typically include completing an accredited graduate program, passing a national certification exam, and meeting other state-specific requirements for APRNs.
Certifications
Certification for clinical nurse specialists is typically obtained through a recognized nursing organization that offers certification exams in various specialty areas. While certification is not always mandatory for CNSs, it demonstrates a high level of expertise and competence in a specific clinical specialty.
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): The ANCC offers certification for CNSs in various specialty areas, including adult-gerontology, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health, and more. The certification process typically involves meeting eligibility requirements, such as completing an accredited graduate program, obtaining a current RN license, and passing a certification exam.
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN): The AACN offers certification exams for CNSs specializing in acute and critical care nursing. Certification through AACN demonstrates proficiency in providing expert care to critically ill patients in settings such as intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency departments.
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC): CNSs specializing in oncology nursing may pursue certification through ONCC. Certification in oncology nursing demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in caring for patients with cancer and their families across the cancer care continuum.
- National Certification Corporation (NCC): CNSs specializing in neonatal nursing may pursue certification through NCC. Certification in neonatal nursing demonstrates expertise in providing specialized care to newborn infants, including premature and critically ill newborns.