[Nursing News]

Charles Henry, 78, was back at Miami Valley Hospital for his third stay in as many months. Henry had been there previously to have an intestinal polyp removed, and, later, a pacemaker implanted.

This time he was suffering from abdominal pain, possibly caused by internal bleeding.

Asked if he had seen his cardiologist that day, Henry answered, "There have been so many doctors I can't hardly say."
That's exactly why Karen Findley, a new breed of nurse whose effectiveness is being tested at Miami Valley, was at Henry's bedside soon after his admission.

As a Clinical Nurse Leader, Findley is charged with knowing the "story" of each patient with complex needs, then coordinating the staff to make sure those needs are met throughout the patient's stay....


Video | Learn the role of the 'new breed' of nurse
Clinical Nurse Leaders fill in gaps for care of sickest patients, advocate for peers.

[imenid37]

Good idea to have experienced nurses further their education and assume this type of role. Bad idea that this CNL is an entry level MSN at several universities. To do this well, requires several years of experience (IMHO). Best idea, more funding for bedside RN's and the faculty to educate them.

[elkpark]

I realize this is terribly politically incorrect to say in nursing circles and reflects my now-official "old fogey" status, but I just don't get the whole CNL idea. I am old enough (as a nurse) to remember when all the stuff that the CNL is supposed to offer is what every experienced bedside nurse knew and did! I'm afraid that the development of the CNL educational programs and role are largely a) an effort by universities to create new revenue streams and b) a reflection of how little RNs learn and know these days compared to what we used to (a combination, IMHO, of how many experienced bedside nurses have been driven from the bedside by lousy working conditions, leaving hospitals largely staffed by new, inexperienced RNs, and how much we've "watered down" nursing education).