Identify the educational preparation and role(s) of the clinical nurse leader (CNL) designation. Give an example of how the CNL influences direct patient care whether in a hospital or out in the community.
According to American Nurse Today, an American Nurses Association (ANA) journal, the Clinical Nurse Leader requires a minimum of a Masters' of Science in Nursing (MSN) (Monaghan, 2011). They often compared to Clinical Nurse Educators and Clinical Nurse Specialists as the educational preparation is the same and some responsibilities overlap in the clinical setting.
The role of the CNL is be part of the interdisplinary team as they integrate evidenced based practice at the point of care (Monaghan, 2011).
The CNL role consist of six elements:
• Leadership and change
• Interdisciplinary relationships
• Knowledge transfer
• Outcomes management
• Clinician at the point of care
• Professional development (Monaghan, 2011).
In the hospital setting an example of how the CNL influences care by being a facilitator of direct care. This means supporting floor nurses, being liaison for changes and setting positive examples for nurses (Monaghan, 2011).
Reference:
Monaghan, H., RN, MHSC. (2011). Clarifying the clinical Nurse Leader Role: Guardian of Care. American Nurse Today,6(4).