Clinical Nurse Leader

Are you contemplating graduate studies and trying to decide on the right specialty track to match your interests? Our Clinical Nurse Leader (CLN) track could be right for you. 

Our CNL specialty track will prepare you to:

• Function as an advanced generalist, providing and managing comprehensive client care across a variety of settings.
• Oversee the care coordination of a distinct group of patients and lead the direct and indirect patient care in complex situations.
• Put evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery.
• Evaluate patient outcomes, assess cohort and system risk, and have decision-making authority to change plans of care and care protocols when necessary.
• Work collaboratively at the point of care with interdisciplinary care teams on a daily basis and have the ability and primary responsibility for coordination of care.
• Communicate effectively with other intra- and interdisciplinary team members to ensure positive patient outcomes are achieved.

Graduates of the specialty are eligible for certification as Clinical Nurse Leaders. Our track follows the knowledge and competencies specified by the American Association for Colleges of Nursing. CNL roles have traditionally been in acute care organizations, but this trend is changing with greater emphasis being placed on coordination of care in ambulatory care settings. Learn more about becoming a CNL from our specialty track director, Dr. Janice Wilcox.