Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

A clinical nurse leader is (CNL) 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.

The CNL program offers two tracks; one for individuals who are registered nurses and one for those who have a bachelor's degree or higher in a field other than nursing.

Program Objectives
Upon completion of the program the graduate will be able to:

1. 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.
2. Provide care at the point of care to individuals across the lifespan with particular emphasis on health promotion and risk reduction services.
3. Synthesize date, information, and knowledge to evaluate and achieve optimal client outcomes.
4. Ensure that clients, families, and communities are well-informed and included in care planning and is an informed leader for improving care.
5. Advocate for the client by taking action if decisions or activities are against the wished 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.
6. 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.
7. Use information systems and technology that put knowledge at the point of care to improve health care outcomes.
8. 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.
9. Delegate and manage the nursing team resources (human and fiscal) and serve as a leader and partner in the interdisciplinary health care team.
10. Assume accountability for the ongoing acquisition of knowledge and skills to effect change in health care practice and outcomes and in the profession.