A clinical nurse leader is a masters' prepared nurse generalist who
assumes accountability for the healthcare outcomes of a specific group
of patients within a unit or setting through the assimilation and
application of research-based information to design, implement, and
evaluate patient outcomes at the point of care. The emerging role of
the CNL is a national initiative in response to patient care needs and
the current health delivery environments. The CNL is a provider and a
manager of care. S/he designs, implements, and evaluates care by
coordinating, delegating, and supervising the care provided by the
health care team, including licensed nurses, technicians, and other
health professionals.
Program Objectives
Upon completion of the program the graduate will be able to:
- Design, coordinate and evaluate care to individuals, families,
groups, communities, and populations; understand the rationale for care
and competently deliver this care to an increasingly complex and
diverse population in multiple environments.
- Provide care at the point of care to individuals across the
lifespan with particular emphasis on health promotion and risk
reduction services.
- Synthesize data, information and knowledge to evaluate and achieve optimal client outcomes.
- Ensure that clients, families and communities are
well-informed and included in care planning and is an informed leader
for improving care.
- Advocate for the client by taking action if decisions or
activities are against the wishes or interests of the client; give the
client the opportunity to make informed decisions about health care
before it is provided. Serve as an advocate for the profession and the
interdisciplinary health care team.
- Use appropriate teaching principles and strategies as well
as current information, materials and technologies to teach clients,
groups and other health care professionals under their supervision.
- Use information systems and technology that put knowledge at the point of care to improve health care outcomes.
- Participate in systems review to improve quality of client
care delivery and at the individual level to critically evaluate and
anticipate risks to client safety with the aim of preventing medical
error.
- Delegate and manage the nursing team resources (human and
fiscal) and serve as a leader and partner in the interdisciplinary
health care team.
- Assume accountability for the ongoing acquisition of
knowledge and skills to effect change in health care practice and
outcomes and in the profession.
Admission Criteria
Admission to the program is based on an
overall appraisal of the applicant's ability to undertake master's
study and of their potential contributions to the discipline of nursing
as evidence by the following:
- Official transcripts from colleges/universities attended
- Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- Documentation of professional license
- TOEFL scores if needed
Highlights of the School of Nursing and Health Professions
- The first private university nursing program in the State
- Accredited by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- One application; no separate application required for the School of Nursing and Health Professions
- Admission of nursing students in the fall and spring semester at the Main Campus
- The Graduate School of Nursing and Health Professions was ranked in the top 40 best nursing programs in the nation by US News and World Report
- The RN-MSN degree program was designed for the working adult. Theory courses will be taught on one day a week each semester.
- Earn your MSN degree in 2 years.
- Program will also be offered at selected branch campuses as well
- Financial Assistance for those who qualify.
MSN Projects Description
For more information
School of Nursing and Health Professions (415) 422-2806
Pleasanton Campus: (925) 867-2711, pleasantoncampus@usfca.edu
Santa Rosa Campus: (707) 527-9612, santarosacampus@usfca.edu
San Jose Campus: (408) 343-7100, sanjosecampus@usfca.edu
