Clinical Nurse Leader Role
The CNL is a generalist master’s-degree prepared nurse who is responsible for
the care coordination of a specific group of patients within a microsystem (AACN,
2007). A distinct skill of CNLs is the ability to focus on systems-level thinking, while
working at the point of care. CNLs infuse and advocate for evidence-based practice
within the microsystems to improve the quality of care. CNLs also monitor and evaluate
patient and staff quality outcomes (AACN, 2007).
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According to the AACN (2013), there are fundamental characteristics of CNL
practice. CNLs provide clinical leadership for patient-care practices and delivery,
including the design, coordination, and evaluation of care for individuals, families,
groups, and populations. CNLs work collaboratively to identify, evaluate and
improvement of point-of-care outcomes. CNLs anticipate risk and work with frontline
nurses to design and implement evidence-based practice. CNLs serve as team leaders
who collaborate with interdisciplinary and inter professional team members. Lastly,
CNLs advocate for patients, families, and communities. Given these specific
responsibilities, persons assuming the new role must be properly educated and evaluated
on their ability to successfully fulfill the role in practice (AACN, 2013).
The CNL role is not a replacement for already established professional nursing
roles (Thompson & Lulham, 2007). Rather the CNL role complements and collaborates
with diverse nursing and interdisciplinary roles to improve healthcare delivery systems
and patient outcomes. The CNL role is different from the clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
nursing role (Thompson & Lulham, 2007).