quick question

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what is a clinical nurse leader? I already have a bachelor's and a master's degree in psychology and was looking into BSN programs, but have found a few direct entry MSN programs where you aren't issued a BSN but come out with a master's as a clinical nurse leader. I want to become a nurse practioner eventually.

Is it better to do the BSN route then apply to NP programs or to do this clinical nurse leader program and then do a post-master's for nurse practioner?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

We have a CNL where we work. I'll try to surf for more information for you at her school's website. She's now going for NP at the same school, so they took many of the same classes but still she had to add over a year or more of extra classes and clinicals.

It would be best to get the BSN and NP after that. Getting a CNL isn't going to help you become a NP.

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Specializes in NICU Someday, I Hope.
what is a clinical nurse leader? I already have a bachelor's and a master's degree in psychology and was looking into BSN programs, but have found a few direct entry MSN programs where you aren't issued a BSN but come out with a master's as a clinical nurse leader. I want to become a nurse practioner eventually.

Is it better to do the BSN route then apply to NP programs or to do this clinical nurse leader program and then do a post-master's for nurse practioner?

Thanks!

Regarding "What is a CNL", you can google it and you'll find all sorts of info. Here's a link to a whitepaper written as the concept was being fleshed out: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Publications/WhitePapers/ClinicalNurseLeader.htm

I've been admitted to a DEMSN program but haven't started yet. I chose this program for many reasons but the two main ones were: (1) It's the fastest way for me to get my RN, and (2) if I can earn a Masters instead of an Associates or another Bachelors, why not? I figure it will open up opportunities once I get a few years of ICU experience under my belt. My philosophy regarding education is "the more the better."

The functional role of the CNL is still developing and it may indeed amount to nothing. Only time will tell.

Our program provides the nursing portion of the core BSN curriculum followed by Master's-level courses. BTW, I'm quite sure that I will ultimately pursue another Masters though not sure between NP, CRNA, and CNS.

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