As a practicing CNS in Virginia I can not support a change in the requirements to practice as a CNS that allow for 2000 clinical hours as a substitute for a national certification exam. There is a national effort underway by our professional organizations to standardize requirements for all APN's. Straying from a national effort only adds confusion and dilutes our professional standard.

Additionally 2000 hours is little more than a year of full time work. To be an expert in a field requires more than a year of practice.

I ask the BON to reject this petition and maintain the current certification requirement.