What does CNL mean in NURSING

A Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is an advanced-practice nurse, recognized by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), who works collaboratively with other health care professionals to provide high quality patient care. CNLs have unique training and responsibilities such as population health analysis, patient outcomes measurement, care coordination, and organizational leadership.

A CNL has typically earned a Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited program that provides specialized preparation in patient care outcomes. They may have also completed additional courses in healthcare systems improvement and business administration. The AACN requires that graduates complete 500 hours of direct practice experience prior to attaining the CNL professional credential.

By utilizing their advanced educational background and skill sets, the CNL can positively influence healthcare environments through improving patient outcomes, reducing errors in care delivery, program development/implementation and providing leadership for complex health systems. Additionally, they use evidence-based practice (EBP) to deliver quality healthcare and optimize resources.

Successful CNLs possess strong communication skills, critical thinking abilities, an analytical mindset, leadership capabilities and experience in clinical settings. An essential element for any CNL is having a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of patients while also working toward improving the healthcare environment overall.

After completing all educational requirements including hands-on clinical hours requirements outlined by the AACN certification corporation, individuals must submit an application form along with related documents such as transcripts from their current school, and pass both written and performance examinations set by the commission on nurse practitioner certification (CNPC).

Clinical Nurse Leaders are employed across various healthcare organizations ranging from hospitals to private practices to community clinics where they serve as nurse practitioners on teams responsible for quality assurance or health systems management initiatives. They may also serve as researchers or educators in addition to their regular duties.

Yes - Per the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), all Certified Clinical Nurse Leaders must complete at least 80 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their professional credentialing status. Continuing education credits can be obtained from approved institutions such as conferences or seminars held by AACN member schools or other professional bodies such as state nurses associations or specialty nursing organizations.