A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is a Masters’ prepared, advanced practice nurse whose care focuses on a specific patient population (e.g. medical, surgical, diabetic, cardiovascular, operating room, emergency room critical care, or geriatric, neonatal, etc.) A CNS divides his or her time into five general areas—clinical practice, teaching, research, consulting, and management. As with other advanced practice nurses in Ohio, CNSs may establish collaborative agreements with physicians and obtain prescription privileges. A CNS helps patients stay healthy, cares for patients when they are acutely or chronically ill, serves as a patient advocate, and functions as a clinician, leader, and an agent of change to improve the quality of care.
A nurse practitioner has received Masters’ level detailed training in a specific area beyond what is required for RN licensure. NPs were originally designed as "physician extenders" to provide primary care and to improve the health of children. But today’s NP focuses more on holistic, preventive care tailored to individuals—a more skilled nursing approach—rather than just substituting for a physician. Nurse Practitioners can order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, and can prescribe medication in all 50 states.
A Nurse Anesthetist, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), is a licensed professional nurse who provides the same anesthesia services as an anesthesiologist (MD). After completing extensive education and training, CRNAs become nationally certified; they may then practice in all 50 states. Working closely with other healthcare professionals such as surgeons, dentists, podiatrists, and anesthesiologists, a CRNA takes care of a patient's anesthesia needs before, during and after surgery or the delivery of a baby.
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