The role description, competencies, and
curriculum for the CNL role emerged from
collaborative discussions among nursing
leaders from both academic and practice
settings.5 CNLs are master’s-prepared generalists,
educated to practice in healthcare
delivery systems working at the microsystems
level. The role is not one of administration or
management, although leadership is a strong
component of the role. CNLs work at the
point of care in any setting where healthcare
is delivered and are responsible for a cohort
of patients. They assume accountability for
client care outcomes and apply evidencebased
information to design, implement,
and evaluate client plans of care. CNLs
educate and advocate for patients and their
families. They engage in peer practice with
other healthcare professionals to provide
coordination and collaboration in the total
care dynamic.15 CNLs work collaboratively
with their nurse managers. They help to
reduce the contentious relationships that
AACN described in the healthy work environment
standards document that can occur
between nurses and administrators when
nurse managers have responsibilities and
spans of control that make it difficult to track
patient outcomes and coach staff.1