New here....MSN in Clinical Nurse Leadership?

There are a few existing threads here about the CNL role. You may want to do a search if you're interested in looking at what's already been discussed here.

You're right, most of those threads are about direct entry CNLs and their ability to practice in leadership roles as new grads.

So the question of an experienced RN seeking a CNL degree is very relevant.


I, like you, want to obtain my MSN. But the longer I spend in nursing the more I don't want to be an NP. So I was leading towards CNS. But the CNL thing is interesting as well.


And experienced MSN prepared CNLs out there?

That's what I want to do!
Have you looked at CNS?

Here's some more information on the CNL: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNL/faq.htm

I have heard the CNL is a "dud" - not much employment potential. It is a new, experimental role and has not been taken very seriously in the real world. Of course, this is my personal perspective - maybe others will chime in with more information.

The CNS is much more respectable, an advance practice specialty, that has been in existence for decades. Some information about the CNS role:
http://www.nacns.org/Educators/Resou...9/Default.aspx
http://www.nacns.org/AboutNACNS/FAQs...9/Default.aspx

CNS employment opportunities: http://www.nacns.org/Resources/Caree...7/Default.aspx

The CNS role is very active and in demand at my local area teaching hospital. I have several friends/ acquaintances with satisfying CNS careers in this facility.

There are many online accredited programs that offer MSN with a focus in healthcare education. I went to University of Phoenix--only because I live here- but when I interviewed, I realized they had an online program that offered me a great deal of the flexibility I needed. It worked well for me. I am not pushing UOPHx. But have you checked the online programs for MSN/ ED? I believe there are a lot.