CNS same as CNL?

elkpark · Apr 29, 2008

The clinical nurse leader (CNL) role is not the same as the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) role, and, from what I've read, CNLs are not going to be considered advanced practice nursing.

There are a number of older threads here discussing the new CNL role, and also a bunch of threads discussing the DNP proposals. You could use the "search" function in the upper right corner of the screen to find them if you want to read allnurses members' thoughts and opinions.

Trauma Columnist · Apr 30, 2008

As Elkpark pointed out, there are several threads on this topic. I too live in IL and CNL will NOT be an APN. I live in an area that is cranking out CNLs at a hospital-affiliated college of nursing specifically for this hospital. They are in the midst of a huge expansion and plan to have a CNL on each floor as a "clinical expert."

gbarrera2 · Apr 30, 2008

after receiving a msn-cnl isn't there many post-masters certificate options offered such as np and nurse educator certificates?

elkpark · Apr 30, 2008

Lots of schools offer post-Master's certificates in the various MSN concentrations, for people who already have an MSN and have now decided they want to go in a different direction. However, MSN programs are very expensive and demanding, whatever the concentration -- if you're just starting out, why not make sure you know what you want to specialize in before going into a Master's program in the first place?

Please look at the existing threads here about the CNL role/degrees if you haven't already. There is a lot of controversy about the new role.

We get a lot of posters who come on this board and say, "I want to get an MSN, but I don't know what in. What MSN would it be best to get??" Of course, that's a question no one else can answer for someone. Many of us respond to those requests by asking what are your longer-term career goals? What do you want to do with your career, and how will an MSN help you do that? What MSN do you need to do that? Rather than getting an advanced degree and then trying to figure out what you can do with it, doesn't it make more sense to figure out what you want to do, and then look at what degree(s) you need to get there?

What is it that interests you about whatever CNL program it is you're looking at? I would strongly encourage you to be sure you are getting a degree that will complement your specific professional goals and interests, and help you achieve what you want to achieve within your career. Any MSN program will require a great deal of "blood, sweat, and tears" (not to mention a great deal of time and $$$) -- I strongly encourage you to be sure, up front, that it's going to be a degree you really want.

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 30, 2008

Agree with elkpark and traumaRUs.

Here are few threads regarding the CNL:

CNLFrequently Asked Questions - from AACN

Pilot Program: Clinical Nurse Leader - old thread

Why is AACN developing new role " Clinical Nurse Leader"????

Anyone graduated from a clinical nurse leader program?

elkpark · Apr 30, 2008

Thanks, sirI. Here's another thread with a little different perspective, also.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/what-cnl-means-field-288364.html ("What CNL means to the field")

gbarrera2 · Apr 30, 2008

Well the University I'll be attending is among the first in the nation to offer this new program of study: CNL. Will I be at a drawback being a CNL and trying to find positions outside of the hospital, such as at Universities as faculty or private practices?

elkpark · Apr 30, 2008

From everything I've heard and read about the role/degree, it sounds like the point of the programs is to prepare you to function as a "clinical leader" (whatever that means :rolleyes: ) of nursing staff in an acute care nursing environment, doing hands-on, bedside nursing. Certainly, anyone with CNL preparation would be just as eligible for teaching positions as anyone else with an MSN. I can't imagine what a CNL would do in a private practice (based on what information I have encountered so far, that is. Perhaps someone else will come along who knows more than I. :))

gbarrera2 · Apr 30, 2008

I applied for the fall semester so I think I can still switch majors to the Nurse Practitioner track since the Clinical Specialist degree is not offered anymore. I don't see myself retiring as a bedside nurse, so I don't think the CNL is the best option for me from what I'm hearing! :confused:

Trauma Columnist · May 1, 2008

The CNL as it was explained to me (as Elkpark ssaid) is a clinical expert at the bedside. However, they are NOT APNs and will not prescribe, diagnose or treat as APNs do in IL

UVA Grad Nursing · Oct 12, 2008

We've graduated two cohorts of CNLs now (n=49) in our master's entry (second degree) program at UVA. All new graduates have worked first in impatient setting as entry-level RNs. However, those in the first cohort (2007 graduates) report back that they are rising faster up the career ladder than their BSN-prepared colleagues at most hospitals. Many of the 2007 grads report back that they are taking part in practice-based studies, presenting posters at national conventions, and precepting CNL students.

Some of the 2007 graduates are applying for Post-Masters (or DNP) programs for APN education and certification now that they have an idea of what clinical area excites them.

We've been preparing CNS students for many years (we have more Critical Care & Adult Health CNS students than ACNP students, and more PMH CNS than PMHNP students). The CNL and CNS curriculum are different (the only overlapping courses are theory, research, epidemiology, health policy, and pathophysiology).

The two roles are very distinct, with different preparations as well. In theory, a CNL is prepared to improve care in a unit setting (outcomes, efficacy, cost efficiencies) with the focus on horizontal leadership. A CNS program is usually speciality based (diabetes, burn, infection control, trauma, neuro, cardiac, etc) with the emphasis on vertical leadership.