MSN CNS or CNL??

[2bnurse_it]

Hi i live in southern california and I was wondering if there is a difference between a CNS and CNL?

Any suggestions on which california schools I should look into?

thanks.

[elkpark]

There is a big difference. A CNS (clinical nurse specialist) is an advanced practice nurse specializing in a specific clinical specialty. A CNL (clinical nurse leader) is Master's prepared, but not an advanced practice role. The CNL is a Master's-prepared generalist bedside nurse with extra education to prepare her/him to coordinate and manage care and provide leadership to the staff nurses. The role is new and somewhat controversial. It's not clear how much demand there is going to be for the CNL. There are a bunch of existing threads here about the CNS and CNL roles -- you could use the "search" button in the upper right corner of the screen to find them. Lots of good info and discussion.

[Franjcamp]

There are positions in the hospital where I once worked called Clinical Resource Nurses. They were additional staff which were nurses who had been on the floor for many years but served in a different capacity such as intervening in critical situations, doing hx and physicals, hanging blood when staffing wasn't adequate. She actually did not take a patient load but worked directly with the med surg patients which she had a broad backround in. I can see where a degree in CNL would be an asset in securing this type of position.