How Do the Roles of Clinical Nurse Specialist and Clinical Nurse Leader Differ?
The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is a nursing generalist educated at the master’s degree level, whose administrative role is based on the clinical setting. The CNL coordinates care and maintains effective flow of communication among patients, families and the multidisciplinary health care team, thereby ensuring seamless, comprehensive care. The CNL works with data, information and people – enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the patient care delivery system. The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an Advanced Practice Nurse, prepared in a clinical specialty, whose care focuses on a specific population. The CNS develops, manages and assesses individual and population-based programs of care using innovative evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes. In addition to providing comprehensive patient care, the CNS is an expert consultant to other nurses and to the multidisciplinary health care team. Visit the American Association of Colleges of Nursing comparison table for more
