Clinical nurse leader

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is a relatively new role in the field of nursing, established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in 2003. The CNL is a master's prepared nurse, educated to manage complex patient care within a healthcare system.

Role and Responsibilities

The CNL is a leader in the healthcare delivery system across all settings in which healthcare is delivered. The role is designed to provide advanced nursing care to patients in a range of healthcare settings, from hospitals to outpatient clinics and home health agencies. The CNL oversees the care coordination of a distinct group of patients and actively provides direct patient care in complex situations.

Education and Certification

To become a CNL, a registered nurse must earn a Master's degree in Nursing from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). After completing the educational requirements, candidates must pass the CNL Certification Examination administered by the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC).

Impact on Healthcare

The CNL role has been shown to improve patient outcomes and increase patient satisfaction. They play a crucial role in the promotion of evidence-based practice within the healthcare team, often leading quality improvement initiatives and ensuring the delivery of cost-effective care.

See Also

• Nursing
• Nurse Practitioner
• Registered Nurse
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

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