Nursing, Nursing Advanced Practice, Exam Prep
The Ins and Outs of Being a CNL®
Jan 22, 2019
Thinking about the next step in your career? The nursing profession is a robust field, with certifications running the gamut of clinical, managerial, and educational specialties. But which is the best choice for you? Here, we’ll take a deep dive into what it means to be a Certified Nurse Leader.
Being a CNL (Certified Nurse Leader): What Does It Mean?
Frequently referred to by its acronym, CNL®, a Certified Nurse Leader is a registered nurse (RN) who has a master’s or post-master’s degree from a formal CNL® education program and has completed advanced coursework in pathophysiology, clinical assessment, finance management, epidemiology, healthcare systems leadership, clinical informatics, and pharmacology.
What Does a CNL® Do?
The AACN, in collaboration with healthcare and education leaders, developed the CNL® role in an effort to improve the quality of patient care outcomes in the United States. As a trained healthcare systems specialist, a CNL® oversees care coordination, assesses health risks, creates strategies for quality improvement, implements evidence-based solutions at the microsystem level, and facilitates team communication. They frequently work with clinical nurse specialists to plan and coordinate complex patient care. Another key part of the role is the ability to mentor nurses and other healthcare professionals on the best practices needed to improve the quality of care for their patients.
A CNL® will work in a number of environments, including hospitals, larger medical clinics, rehabilitation centers, home health practices, long-term and geriatric care facilities, and ambulatory care settings.
What Type of Person Is a CNL®?
Because a CNL® is responsible for overseeing so much at once, favorable personality traits include strong leadership, teaching, and communication skills. One should also be an analytical thinker who can spot trends in patient data; keep pace with the latest research, technologies, and best practices; and identify emerging methods that could improve patient outcomes within his or her units. And as with any nursing profession, especially those being a CNL, outstanding listening skills and attention to detail are crucial.
How Do I Become a CNL®?
Being a CNL ® being by first obtaining your Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) followed by a Master’s of Science Clinical Nurse Leader program in which you’ll take advanced courses in pathophysiology, clinical assessment, and pharmacology. Finally, to obtain a CNL® certification from the Commission on Nurse Certification, you’ll have to pass the computer-based certification exam (some students take this exam before graduation). And don’t forget—this certification needs to be renewed every five years!
Resources
King, C. R., Gerard, S. O. (2016). Clinical Nurse Leader Certification Review, Second Edition. New York: Springer Publishing.
Being a CNL (Certified Nurse Leader): What Does It Mean?
Frequently referred to by its acronym, CNL®, a Certified Nurse Leader is a registered nurse (RN) who has a master’s or post-master’s degree from a formal CNL® education program and has completed advanced coursework in pathophysiology, clinical assessment, finance management, epidemiology, healthcare systems leadership, clinical informatics, and pharmacology.
What Does a CNL® Do?
The AACN, in collaboration with healthcare and education leaders, developed the CNL® role in an effort to improve the quality of patient care outcomes in the United States. As a trained healthcare systems specialist, a CNL® oversees care coordination, assesses health risks, creates strategies for quality improvement, implements evidence-based solutions at the microsystem level, and facilitates team communication. They frequently work with clinical nurse specialists to plan and coordinate complex patient care. Another key part of the role is the ability to mentor nurses and other healthcare professionals on the best practices needed to improve the quality of care for their patients.
A CNL® will work in a number of environments, including hospitals, larger medical clinics, rehabilitation centers, home health practices, long-term and geriatric care facilities, and ambulatory care settings.
What Type of Person Is a CNL®?
Because a CNL® is responsible for overseeing so much at once, favorable personality traits include strong leadership, teaching, and communication skills. One should also be an analytical thinker who can spot trends in patient data; keep pace with the latest research, technologies, and best practices; and identify emerging methods that could improve patient outcomes within his or her units. And as with any nursing profession, especially those being a CNL, outstanding listening skills and attention to detail are crucial.
How Do I Become a CNL®?
Being a CNL ® being by first obtaining your Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) followed by a Master’s of Science Clinical Nurse Leader program in which you’ll take advanced courses in pathophysiology, clinical assessment, and pharmacology. Finally, to obtain a CNL® certification from the Commission on Nurse Certification, you’ll have to pass the computer-based certification exam (some students take this exam before graduation). And don’t forget—this certification needs to be renewed every five years!
Resources
King, C. R., Gerard, S. O. (2016). Clinical Nurse Leader Certification Review, Second Edition. New York: Springer Publishing.