Page 29 - Johns Hopkins Nursing Magazine Fall 2020 - Johns Hopkins School of Nursing

NEWS FROM JOHNS HOPKINS NURSING

The NP vs. the CNS

26 By definition, nurse practitioners (NP) and clinical MSN, MPH, FAAN, “from the incident command
nurse specialists (CNS) are unique subsets of center to the intensive care unit to the trenches
advanced practice registered nurses. In general, a of primary care or in leadership of large research
CNS works more in administration, education, and protocols.”
research, and NPs focus more on direct patient care
and clinical leadership. In practice, however, the two Both CNSs and NPs take medical histories, conduct
overlap routinely—both essential to nursing’s role at physical exams, and analyze patient data to develop
the front lines of the COVID-19 battle, for instance. medical care plans. Both administer medications,
In fact, in an assessment of NP vs. CNS, the “vs.” monitor patient well-being, and modify patient care
should probably be replaced by an ampersand. plans as needed over time. Both can also assume
Where one stops or rests, the other steps up. leadership and educational roles in medical and
academic settings. One difference is how often they
The mission for both: ensuring better health perform particular skills. For NPs, prescribing and
JOHNS HOPKINS NURSING FALL/WINTER 2020
outcomes for patients in primary and acute care adjusting medications, conducting physical exams,
settings. Both have the training to focus in direct and ordering and interpreting lab tests are everyday
care, administration, and leadership. COVID has tasks. In contrast, a CNS would likely identify
called for even more shared responsibility. patient advocacy, evidence-based research, and
collaborating with interdisciplinary teams as critical
Michelle Patch, PhD, MSN, APRN-CNS, described responsibilities of the job.
her CNS role this way: “The focus was on leading
COVID-related operational efforts, communicating Either specialty offers nurses good pay and an
rapid changes in clinical practice, advocating for unmatched level of training and autonomy. Find
staff needs, and informing organizational-level a side-by-side comparison and learn where you fit
planning and decision-making.” best at nursing.jhu.edu/np-cns. ◼

“The [NP] is an integral part of the COVID response
team at Johns Hopkins,” explains Jason Farley, PhD,