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RN to MSN: Clinical Nurse Specialist
A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is an advanced-practice nurse who provides care to a specific age group or health concern. These nurses work closely with physicians and healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive patient care. The RN to MSN in clinical nurse specialist is an accelerated program that prepares students to work in hospital settings, private practices, government organization, long-term care facilities, and other various agencies.
RN to MSN in Clinical Nurse Specialist Overview
- Students train to specialize in certain types of diseases, and work alongside other nurses to provide training and clinical expertise.
- Students prepare to become case managers in which they work their own patients, assess health issues, diagnose and develop a treatment and care plan.
- The general curriculum focuses on teaching the expertise necessary to work with patients, work with other caregivers and medical personnel, and work within administrative circles to evaluate nursing and overall patient care models.
- Through clinical field work, students learn how to be leaders, consultants, mentors, and change agents in advanced nursing practices.
- A CNS can work in an operating room, the ER, critical care, and various other practice areas.
Steps to Become a Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.
- Receive a Registered Nurse Certification.
- Enroll and complete a RN to MSN program with a concentration in clinical nurse specialist.
- Obtain certification in women’s health and proper licensure, which varies by state.
Salary and Career Information
- Estimated Salary: Salaries for a CNS typically start around $76,000, according to recent reports on Indeed.com.
- Job Setting: Hospitals, private offices, outpatient centers, emergency and community-based health services, primary care clinics, and schools.