Any CNL program grads out there?

[Jaysie1]

Hi everyone, new member here!

I am seriously considering applying to the CNL program at the University of Maryland, and have been working to complete my prereqs. I've read just about everything I could find online on the subject, and still feel uncertain about which degree program to pursue (the BSN or the CNL). I do hold a non-nursing Bachelor's degree. I would really love to hear from students either currently enrolled in a CNL program or recent grads about whether they made the right degree decision and why.

I look forward to your (honest) responses.

Thanks!

:heartbeat

[LisaDNP]

I'm uncertain...Are you a nurse or in nursing school?

[Jaysie1]

I am not a nurse yet. I'm taking prereqs to apply to the CNL program at the University of MD, but would really like to speak to someone who has completed the program. Am i posting in the wrong place?

Thanks!

:heartbeat

[misssrblake]

Im in the same boat as you! I was accepted to the University of MD and I'm now uncertain about the need of CNLs. Please let me know of any information you find out, also I have not be able to contact any recent CNL graduates to help.

[melmarie23, MSN, RN]

I am currently in a CNL program. I just finished my first year of two this past month. This next year we have our immersion/preceptorship in the insitution where we will be next fall for our QI project. Up until this point, we have done the basic nursing courses (fundamentals, patho, pharm, OB, pedi, psych, med/surg, community health) as well have had a course on nursing theory, nursing change and health services and a reserach course. So as of yet, I cannot comment much on the CNL role as this final year, this is where we learn the bulk of that role, what it entails and matriculate into that role. An example of what this next years course work includes, including our clinical immersion/preceptorship, are courses in Health Care Systems & Leadership, Clinical Epidemiology and Decision Analysis, Promoting Quality Management, and our QI practicum. I can comment further as we move through the next year.

[misssrblake]

thanks for replying!! I look forward to hearing from you as you continue in the program. I have been reading different reports about CNLs and how its not marketable; so im a bit hesitant about enrolling in the program? I want to make sure my job as a CNL won't confine me to the specific role if is not employable.

[melmarie23, MSN, RN]

thanks for replying!! I look forward to hearing from you as you continue in the program. I have been reading different reports about CNLs and how its not marketable; so im a bit hesitant about enrolling in the program? I want to make sure my job as a CNL won't confine me to the specific role if is not employable.

I think its extremely marketable. I think those who are critics are those who have not been introduced to those in that particular role and/or are afraid of change. There is a HUGE misconception that these direct entry CNL programs are pumping out new grads that are just going to "steal" the upper management jobs from seasoned nurses and/or training us to be the "boss" with little practical experience. This is NOT true.

We are not training for management roles. We expect go go out and get hired and make the same pay as other new grads-those in diploma programs, ADN programs and BSN programs. Once we get the necessary clinical experience we can then use our research background to promote change on the microsystem level and help provide quality outcomes. Basically we learn and become very familiar with EBP and look for ways to incorporate that into practice. And lastly, we are trained as bedside nurses. We are generalists and not specialists.

I am very much looking forward to matriculating into this role.