WiSE Wednesday: National Nurses Day

WiSE Wednesday: Nurses Day/Week 

We are highlighting the role of nurses on #NationalNursesDay, a day observed every year on May 6th. It is the first day of Nurses Week, and we are so grateful for nurses and healthcare workers. 

How can you celebrate this day? Maybe giving a shout out to someone you know that is a nurse and recognizing their efforts. Also you can thank nurses using the hashtag: #NationalNursesDay. How have you celebrated Nurse’s Day and/or week?

In this post we recognize nurses, and we explore the role of nurses in research. Some people in research who are unsure of where to go next, may consider becoming a Clinical Nursing Specialist.

If you are interested in how one can get into Clinical Nursing and become a Clinical Nursing Specialist (CNS), most sources say you need at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) on top of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). During your MSN it is very helpful to specialize in a certain area of research. (Some areas that you can go into are: Diabetes Management, Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and many others.) If you already have a Bachelor’s in a non-nursing area, it may only take you 1 to 2 years to get a BSN, depending on the program. 

If you would like to learn more about how you can become a CNS in relation to schooling as well as other helpful information: https://nursejournal.org/clinical-nursing/what-to-know-to-become-a-clinical-nurse/

After you get your MSN, you can go even further to get your Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). This degree is not required to be a CNS, but more education will certainly help. You may delve more into public health, nursing education and leadership in your doctorate. It can be expensive, but there are a lot of options available for people who are interested, such as financial aid or part-time studies both online and in person. 

Once you achieve your MSN, you have your area of specialization, and know that you want to be a Clinical Nurse Specialist, you may need to get an additional certification (possibly more classes, exams, degrees, or clinical hours). Consult the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for more information on specific certifications and licensing: (https://www.nursingworld.org/ancc/). 

Some responsibilities of the Clinical Nurse Practitioner are: Being able to communicate with medical personnel, as well as other nurses, patients and their families, allocating resources, developing specialized treatments for patients, look at relevant data with patient outcomes, and continuing to pursue education in your chosen area of research. 

There is also an option to become an NP (Nurse Practitioner) if you decide not to become CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) after you get your Master of Science in Nursing. Both positions require a BSN and MSN, however their roles differ in a lot of aspects. NPs may prescribe medicine, however CNSs don’t usually do that. NPs are usually more independent in patient care, while CNSs are more involved in a collaborative environment. Licensing and Certification in specific specialties also differ between the two roles.  For more information on the difference in their roles: (https://www.nursepractitionerschools.com/faq/np-vs-cns/)

Information for this article and to find out more:

https://nursejournal.org/clinical-nursing/what-to-know-to-become-a-clinical-nurse/

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/days-2/national-nurses-day-may-6/

https://www.nursepractitionerschools.com/faq/np-vs-cns/

What is an CNS?

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