Spotlight on the Clinical Nurse Leader

The nursing track in Grand View's Master of Science in Innovative Leadership leads to the role of Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). The CNL is a relatively new role in nursing, sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

According to the AACN, "The CNL role emerged following research and discussion with stakeholder groups as a way to engage highly skilled clinicians in outcomes-based practice and quality improvement. In practice, the CNL oversees the care coordination of a distinct group of patients and actively provides direct patient care in complex situations. This master's degree-prepared clinician puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery. The CNL evaluates patient outcomes, assesses cohort risk, and has the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary. The CNL is a leader in the health care delivery system, and the implementation of this role will vary across settings."

CNL graduates are eligible to take the CNL certification exam through the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC), an autonomous arm of AACN.

Because the CNL role is new, there is sometimes confusion about the differences between the CNL and other advanced practice nurses. The AACN defines the difference this way: "The CNL is not prepared as an advanced practice nurse (APN) as the APN is currently defined. The CNL is an advanced generalist in contrast with the specialized focus of the practice by clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and nurse practitioners. Advanced practice nurses are prepared with specialist education in a defined area of practice. The CNL and APN roles complement one another. For example, the CNL may call on the CNS to provide consultation when a specialist area of concern arises (i.e. when a patient does not respond to nursing care or therapeutics as expected)."

The AACN has published a brochure on the CNL role. Go to http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNL/pdf/Brochure.pdf to download it. Other information about the CNL role is available on the AACN web site at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNL/Index.htm.

As an example, the Department of Veteran's Affairs is among the health care systems employing Clinical Nurse Leaders. At VA hospitals, CNLs serve as the point people on patient care teams and are leaders in the health care delivery system across all settings in which health care is delivered. This revolutionary role is making a difference in patient care outcomes and professional role satisfaction for many staff nurses.