The AACN Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) White Paper was published in 2007 by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The white paper was developed to provide a comprehensive overview of the CNL role, including its background, competencies, education pathway, and impact on patient care, nursing, and healthcare quality.
The CNL role is a master’s-prepared nursing role that was created to address the need for nurses who can lead and manage care at the point of service. CNLs are prepared to improve patient outcomes, support other nurses, and contribute to quality improvement and innovation in all healthcare settings.
Why is the AACN Clinical Nurse Leader White Paper important?
The AACN Clinical Nurse Leader White Paper is an important resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the CNL role. The white paper provides a comprehensive overview of the CNL role, including its background, competencies, education pathway, and impact on patient care, nursing, and healthcare quality.
The white paper is also a valuable resource for healthcare organizations that are considering hiring CNLs. The white paper can help organizations to understand the benefits of the CNL role and how CNLs can help them to improve patient care, reduce costs, and improve quality.
Who should read the AACN Clinical Nurse Leader White Paper?
The AACN Clinical Nurse Leader White Paper should be read by anyone who is interested in the CNL role, including:
- Nurses who are considering becoming CNLs
- Healthcare organizations that are considering hiring CNLs
- Educators who are teaching or developing CNL programs
- Researchers who are studying the CNL role
- Healthcare policymakers who are interested in understanding the CNL role and its impact on healthcare
Background on the CNL role
The CNL role was created by the AACN in 2003 in response to the need for nurses who can lead and manage care at the point of service. The CNL role was designed to bridge the gap between bedside nursing and nurse management.
CNLs are prepared to improve patient outcomes, support other nurses, and contribute to quality improvement and innovation in all healthcare settings. CNLs work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans, coordinate care across transitions of care, and manage patient populations.
What is a CNL?
A CNL is a master’s-prepared nurse who is prepared to lead and manage care at the point of service. CNLs are prepared to improve patient outcomes, support other nurses, and contribute to quality improvement and innovation in all healthcare settings.
CNLs have a deep understanding of nursing practice, healthcare systems, and evidence-based practice. CNLs are also skilled in communication, collaboration, and leadership.
What are the CNL competencies?
The CNL competencies are a set of seven competencies that describe the knowledge, skills, and abilities that CNLs need to be successful in their role. The CNL competencies are:
- Patient care coordination
- Outcomes measurement
- Transitions of care
- Inter-professional communication and team leadership
- Risk assessment
- Implementation of best practices based on evidence
- Quality improvement
What is the CNL education pathway?
The CNL education pathway typically consists of a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a specialization in clinical nurse leadership. CNL programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) must include coursework in all seven CNL competencies.
The CNL role in healthcare
CNLs play a vital role in healthcare delivery. CNLs work in all healthcare settings, including hospitals, ambulatory care clinics, long-term care facilities, public health agencies, and educational institutions.
How CNLs improve patient care
CNLs improve patient care by:
- Coordinating care across transitions of care
- Managing patient populations
- Implementing evidence-based practices
- Leading and participating in quality improvement initiatives
How CNLs support other nurses
CNLs support other nurses by:
- Mentoring and coaching nurses
- Providing professional development opportunities
- Advocating for nurses
- Promoting teamwork and collaboration
How CNLs contribute to quality improvement and innovation
CNLs contribute to quality improvement and innovation by:
- Leading and participating in quality improvement initiatives
- Implementing evidence
The CNL in different healthcare settings
CNLs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
CNLs in hospitals
In hospitals, CNLs work on a variety of units, including medical-surgical units, critical care units, and pediatric units. CNLs in hospitals are responsible for coordinating care for patients across transitions of care, managing patient populations, and implementing evidence-based practices. CNLs also play a key role in quality improvement and innovation initiatives in hospitals.
CNLs in ambulatory care
In ambulatory care settings, such as clinics and physician offices, CNLs work to improve the quality and efficiency of care for patients. CNLs in ambulatory care may also be involved in developing and implementing new programs and services.
CNLs in long-term care
In long-term care facilities, CNLs work to improve the quality of life for residents. CNLs in long-term care may also be involved in developing and implementing new programs and services to meet the needs of residents and their families.
CNLs in public health
In public health agencies, CNLs work to improve the health of the community. CNLs in public health may be involved in developing and implementing new programs and services, conducting research, and advocating for public health policies.
CNLs in education
In educational institutions, CNLs teach nursing students and prepare them for the CNL role. CNLs in education may also be involved in developing and implementing new CNL programs and conducting research on the CNL role.
The future of the CNL role
The CNL role is a growing and evolving role. CNLs are in high demand in all healthcare settings. As the healthcare system continues to evolve, the CNL role is expected to become even more important.
Why CNLs are essential to the future of healthcare
CNLs are essential to the future of healthcare because they are prepared to:
- Improve patient outcomes
- Support other nurses
- Contribute to quality improvement and innovation
CNLs are also prepared to navigate the changing healthcare landscape and ensure that patients receive high-quality care in all settings.
How to become a CNL
To become a CNL, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a specialization in clinical nurse leadership. CNL programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) must include coursework in all seven CNL competencies.
After completing a CNL program, you must pass the Clinical Nurse Leader Certification Exam (CNL-BC Exam) to become a certified CNL. The CNL-BC Exam is offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN Certification Corporation).
FAQs
Q. What are the benefits of becoming a CNL?
There are many benefits to becoming a CNL, including:
- Higher salary potential
- More job opportunities
- Greater job satisfaction
- The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients, nurses, and the healthcare system
Q. What are the challenges of the CNL role?
The CNL role can be challenging at times, but it is also very rewarding. Some of the challenges of the CNL role include:
- The need to manage multiple competing priorities
- The need to work collaboratively with a variety of healthcare professionals
- The need to stay up-to-date on the latest evidence-based practices and healthcare trends
Q. How do CNLs differ from other advanced practice nurses?
CNLs differ from other advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), in their focus on improving patient outcomes through leadership and management. CNLs are not directly responsible for diagnosing and treating patients, but they play a vital role in coordinating care and managing patient populations.
Q. What are some examples of CNL projects?
Here are some examples of CNL projects:
- Developing and implementing a new care plan for patients with congestive heart failure
- Managing a population of patients with diabetes
- Leading a quality improvement initiative to reduce the rate of hospital-acquired infections
- Developing and implementing a new program to help patients transition from the hospital to home care
Q. Where can I find more information about the CNL role?
The following websites provide more information about the CNL role:
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN Certification Corporation)
- Clinical Nurse Leader Association (CNLA)
