Table 3. CNL – CNS Role Major Differences
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Advanced general clinical knowledge (advanced generalist nurse)
Advanced clinical specialty knowledge (advanced specialist nurse)
Not credentialed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Credentialed as an APRN
Unit level (point of care, or microsystem) domain
Institutional (macrosystem) domain