CNL, Clinical nurse Leader?

[sunnyjohn]

I tried the search feature with no luck.

I'm considering two direct-entry Master's programs for students with a non-nursing Bachelor's degree. One of the schools offers a 4 semester MN (Master of Nursing). The other offeres a 5 semester generic MSN.

The focus of the second school is the reason for this post. The intent of the program is to train new nurses in the new, developing role of CNL or Clinical Nurse Leader. The school is in close contact with the AACN in the development of this program

Here is a link that gives good information on the topic: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNL/index.htm

Here are a few of the FAQ about CNL's:

Q. What is the Clinical Nurse Leader?

The Clinical Nurse Leader or CNL is a new nursing role being developed by AACN in collaboration with an array of leaders from the practice environment. Two AACN task forces were convened to identify (1) how to improve the quality of patient care and (2) how to best prepare nurses with the competencies needed to thrive in the current and future health care system. The CNL role emerged following research and discussion with stakeholders as a way to engage highly skilled clinicians in outcomes-based practice and quality improvement strategies.

Q: What does a Clinical Nurse Leader do?

The CNL oversees the care coordination of a distinct group of patients and actively provides direct patient care in complex situations. This clinical leader puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery. The CNL collects and evaluates patient outcomes, assesses cohort risk, and has the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary. This clinician functions as part of an interdisciplinary team by communicating, planning, and implementing care directly with other health care professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, social workers, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners. The CNL role is not one of administration or management. The CNL is a leader in the health care delivery system in all settings in which health care is delivered, not just the acute care setting. Implementation of this role will vary across settings.

Q: What is the educational preparation of a Clinical Nurse Leader?

The CNL is a generalist clinician with education at the master's degree level. Graduate education is necessary because the CNL must bring a high level of clinical competence and knowledge to the point of care and to serve as a resource for the nursing team. The master's degree with a major in nursing will prepare graduates for a generalist role.

Q: How is a Clinical Nurse Leader different from a Clinical Nurse Specialist or other advanced practice nurse?

The CNL is not prepared as an advanced practice nurse (APN) as currently defined. The CNL is a 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). AACN in consultation with a select group of CNSs has developed a document, The CNL-CNS Roles: Similarities, Differences and Complementarities.

Q: Will the development of education and practice models for the CNL include creating a new legal scope of practice and license?

Currently, AACN is collaborating to develop a certification examination and process to credential graduates of the CNL master's degree programs. Only individuals who graduate from a CNL master's degree program that meets the criteria delineated in the CNL curriculum framework and prepares individuals with the competencies identified in AACN's Working Paper on the Role of the Clinical Nurse Leader will be eligible to sit for this certification examination. Also, AACN will assume leadership and engage appropriate stakeholders to discuss the development of a new legal scope of practice and credential for the CNL.

Otherwise we will only succeed in creating a more confusing way to become a registered nurse.

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNL/faq.htm

Here is a link to the program I am considering so you guys can take a look at the program.

http://www.xavier.edu/MSN/midas_courses.cfm

http://www.xavier.edu/MSN/midas.cfm#2

[sunnyjohn]

I have no grand ideas that I will graduate from this program a nursing expert. I expect at graduation I will be a new nurse prepared for a vigorous intership. With a few years of nursing practice I expect that Master's degree and CNL designation (If they ever develop an exam) could be valuable.

What do you guys think of this new role? Is it worth it for folks like me who want a Master's degree and are willing to put in the effort and time required of a 'newbie' nurse?

[suzanne4, RN]

Take a look at the grad school posts on this forum, this actual title was discussed in depth.

[sunnyjohn]

thanks suzanne

[sunnyjohn]

I searched the graduate student nurse forum and could not find it. I did read through many of the topics (10 pages) no luck. CNL is too short to search.

Any suggestions?

Anyone else care to comment?

Pretty Please??