I filed this petition not only for the Women's Health CNSs, but also for the Perinatal, Maternal-Child, Neonatal CNSs that in the Commonwealth of Virginia cannot receive recognition for completing the same Master's program as any Adult Health CNS throughout the country.  I requested an interim option, that is only applicable until a certification exam becomes available, as is being done in a number of states (eg. Maryland has an excellent option to the certification exam available to CNS practicing there). 

Further, the NACNS, on the website position statement (dated March 2012) that clearly supports the APRN Consensus model clearly recognizes that the certification requirement has eliminated the ability for many CNS to obtain state board recognition and in many cases employment. 

It is true that I was contacted by the president of the VaCNS and she did give some wonderful contact names.  However, the ANCC is very clear.  With a degree in Women's Health CNS, I do not qualify for the Adult Health CNS exam.  Additionally, the Virginia Board of Nursing requires the certification exam specialty to match the degree specialty, so it would be futile to take the adult health exam, even if it were possible.  I believe Women's Health is a viable specialty, not sub-specialty, and deserves an examination that specifically evaluates the knowledge of Women's Health CNS.

Finally, I do not support moving forward to achieve changes within the Commonwealth for CNSs without "bringing" all along.  It is great that there is work being done create an exam for the Women's Health CNS, but until that occurs another option needs to be made available. I support the APRN Consensus Model, but as we move toward it, how many are being left behind.

Please support a portfolio option for CNSs that meet all other requirements set forth by the APRN Consensus Model, as they are in existence, until specialty specific exams are available.  When the specialty examination is created, license renewal should require successful completion of the specialty specific certification exam.