Enhanced role opportunities available to the CNS/nurse practitioner

Role possibilities that could result from the proposed CNS-nurse practitioner merger into an advanced practice nurse role are examined in this article. A brief history of the movement to merge the two roles is reviewed, followed by a review of arguments for and against merging. Role opportunities are explored for nurses with advanced practice preparation, including case management, expanded roles in acute care, practice in nurse-managed clinics, and collaborative private practice.