2024 Career Planning Guide
NURSING SPECIALITIES KEY : n Minimum Education required n Certifications required n Experience needed n Certification credential n Possible employment n Professional Organization n References / Resources
Clinical Nurse Specialist
A Clinical Nurse Specialist ( CNS ) is an advanced practice nurse with expertise in diagnosis and treatment in a specialized area of nursing practice . The CNS focuses on improved patient outcomes and nursing care in three areas : patients , nursing personnel management , and healthcare system .
n BSN and MSN ( or PhD ) n Certified Nurse Specialist ( CNS ) certification exam n 500 supervised clinical hours ( during advanced practice education ) n Varies ( See www . aacn . org / certification / get-certified ) n Acute care settings ; also outpatient facilities and home care systems n National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists ( www . nacns . org )
Correctional Facility Nurse
A challenging field that allows nurses to practice independently or as part of a team dedicated to assessing and treating inmates in the nation ’ s detention systems . Requires particular adherence to strict safety regulations .
n LPN or LVN n Certified Corrections Nurse ( CCN ) ( Not required , but helpful .) n 1 year in correction facility in current position n CCN n Jails , prisons , juvenile detention centers n American Correctional Association ( www . aca . org )
Critical Care Nurse
Work involves practice in intense environments where critically-ill patients require complex interventions and continuous care . Pro- viders can further specialize in adult , pediatric or neonatal care .
n ASN / ADN ( BSN or MSN preferred ) n Certification for Adult , Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Care Nurses n Two eligibility requirements options as per AACN :
n CCRN Option 1 : 1,750 hours as RN or APRN in direct bedside care of acutely and / or critically ill patients during the previous two years , with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application .
CCRN Option 2 : Practice as an RN or APRN for at least five years with a minimum of 2,000 hours in direct bedside care of acutely and / or critically ill patients , with 144 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application .
n Hospital ICUs , emergency rooms , managed care organizations , nursing schools , outpatient surgery centers n American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ( www . aacn . org )
36 NSNA Imprint