Practitioner Vs. Clinical Nurse Specialist
Nurses are often the unsung heroes in a medical setting. They provide treatment and recommendations, as well as comfort and compassion to patients and families. The professional field of nursing is wide and varied, with many different specialties within the role. The training is rigorous, but the results are rewarding.
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History
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Untrained nurses have been around for centuries; however, hospital training of nurses is a relatively new discipline. It wasn't until the 19th century that those wishing to become nurses were given actual training. The first hospital training school for nurses opened in 1846 in Kaiserwerth, Germany. It was here that perhaps the most well known nurse in history, Florence Nightingale, received her training. Florence was the first famous person from a wealthy family to become a nurse. Prior to her arrival, nursing was considered a job for those who were not of the upper class. Florence became famous with her involvement in the caring for injured soldiers during the Crimean War, and later opened a training school for nurses in London. Today, there are many options for individuals interested in nursing, including opportunities to become different types of nurses.
Nurse Practitioner
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According to the Princeton Wordnetweb, a nurse practitioner is a caregiver professional who has received special training and can perform many of the duties of a physician. A nurse practitioner has a high level of education, generally a master's or doctoral degree. She is licensed to provide various medical procedures, tests, preventive health measures and more, generally in tandem with instructions from a doctor. She is also qualified to recommend or prescribe drugs, and provide care to a wide variety of patients in various areas of medicine.
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Clinical Nurse Specialist
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A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is a practical nurse who specializes in certain types of conditions, such as lung disease or heart disease; works in specific types of environments, such as the emergency ward or in palliative care; or who focuses on procedures, surgical for instance. A CNS generally has earned a master's or doctorate degree in advanced nursing studies. His role is not only to administer client care, but also to provide staff leadership, and act as liaison between various departments. His work needs to be varied and versatile, providing unique challenges within the nursing field.
Nurse Practitioner vs. Clinical Nurse Specialist
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Although the functions of Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists may have some similarities, their roles are quite different. Nurse Practitioners are very similar to doctors in that they can treat patients, and often become a patient's primary health care provider. They are hands-on, functioning as practical health care providers. Clinical Nurse Specialists focus more on clinical analysis, and knowledge and information liaison to the patients, families and the health care community. They may act as health care consultants and teachers.
The Value of Nurses
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Without nurses, many facilities would cease to function, and patients would be left without necessary medical treatment. Whatever the discipline, nurses are a much needed and valued asset in the medical field.
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References
- Photo Credit nursing duties image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
