Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs: Specializing as an RN

A registered nurse, looking for additional education as well as responsibility, may want to consider registering in one of the many post-graduate clinical nurse specialist programs that are available throughout the country. These programs are much more advanced than typical nurse training and are at the master's degree and doctorate level. Upon completion of a program, and passing an exam, a registered nurse becomes a clinical nurse specialist (CNS), which usually carries a good deal more responsibility, and better pay when compared with an RN.

Clinical nurse specialist programs are accredited by the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, which works with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The necessary coursework is mandated by these associations. Because of this the healthcare facility that hires these professionals can always feel comfortable knowing that they're well trained for the job they'll be doing.

As the title implies, these nurses get a level of clinical training far and above that of an RN. Clinical nurse specialist programs really focus heavily on the clinical work needed to diagnose and treat specific ailments. A nurse with this position may also be responsible for training other medical staff, as well as things such as playing a key role in making healthcare policies and writing treatment plans. Overall, a CNS is crucial to the success of the healthcare facility.

These particular programs prepare an RN to specialize in fields like pediatric, adult and geriatric nursing. They may also have concentrations on specific diseases, such as diabetes or cancer, as well as nursing sub-specialties, such as surgical, psychology or rural nursing, allowing a CNS to obtain a high degree of expertise in a particular sub-category. Within the framework of the education, there are main competencies, in clinical work, ethics and infrastructure, as well as specialty-specific training. For instance, if a clinical nurse specialist chooses to specialize in adolescents, they may take classes in subjects like substance abuse and social work. While training for somebody specializing in geriatrics will concentrate on things like pain management and end-of-life ethics.

In the United States, there are more than 150 accredited clinical nurse specialist programs. Several have both full and part time programs, which take 2 or 3 years. Not every program offers each specialty or sub specialty, but an RN in search of particular credentials, not available locally, has the choice of web based classes.

Enrolling in one of the many clinical nurse specialist programs is a great opportunity for registered nurses to get more from their occupations. The advanced training they get will allow them to take on far more responsibilities. A career as a clinical nurse specialist is very satisfying, opens job opportunities and offers increased pay, which makes it the next logical step for any current registered nurse who would like to get to the next stage.

Advanced Practice Nurse Programs: High Level Nurse Training

Registered nurses hoping to boost their careers by taking advanced practice nurse programs have got 4 options to select from. The four types of advanced practice nurses typically recognized throughout the Nation are nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists.

Advanced practice nurses perform a number of preliminary health services, particularly in the areas of testing as well as preventive health care. Here are a few of the career fields these professionals can be found doing work in.

OB/GYN, Psychiatry, Emergency and Trauma Care, Rehab Services/Long Term Care, Pulmonary Care, Surgical Specialties, General Pediatrics and Specialties, Adult Medicine

This list does not come close to covering all the career opportunities available. Various advanced practice nurse programs have a variety of specialty areas in which people can train.

All advanced practice nurses will have to fulfill tough training, certification, as well as continuing education requirements. All these professionals are closely examined through professional organizations like the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Nurse practitioners, the first type of advanced practice nurses, are certified to carry out tasks for which registered nurses aren't qualified, like examining and diagnosing patients as well as prescribing medications.

The majority of folks become a nurse practitioner by first being an RN and after that earning a master's degree, or a doctorate in nursing. These programs frequently target one specific area like acute care, family, pediatrics, adult. In addition to being licensed by the nursing board in their state, nurse practitioners have a certificate within their specialty areas.

Individuals wishing to become a clinical nurse specialist also have to take advanced practice nurse programs. The various fields clinical nurse specialist are found in are research, clinical practice, management, consulting and teaching. This advanced practice nurse niche demands a Master's of Science in nursing, exactly like the other areas in this classification.

These training programs will need to be accredited by one of two accrediting organizations. The agencies are Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission Programs which are accredited by either of these organizations are appropriate for advanced practice training. Clinical experience will be part of the pre training for the certificate program.

Yet another kind of advanced practice nurse is certified nurse midwives. These nurses provide primary care to women and infants. Other sorts of services available from certified nurse midwives are referral, evaluation, assessment and treatment

Those wishing to become certified nurse midwives have to be registered nurses before they can enroll in an approved program and get either a certificate or a Master's degree. When all of the requirements have been completed, all that's left is to pass a written test.

The very last kind of nurse we will be looking at will be the certified registered nurse anesthetist. Applicants will have to already be RNs before registering for one of the approved programs. Once they complete their training, certified registered nurse anesthetists will be nationally certified, which will permit them to work in all fifty states.