How is a Clinical Nurse Leader different from a Clinical Nurse Specialist or other advanced practice nurse?
The CNL is not prepared as an advanced practice nurse (APN) as currently defined. The CNL is a generalist in contrast with the specialized focus of the practice by clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and nurse practitioners. Advanced practice nurses are prepared with specialist education in a defined area of practice. The CNL and APN roles complement one another. For example, the CNL may call on the CNS to provide consultation when a specialist area of concern arises (i.e. when a patient does not respond to nursing care or therapeutics as expected). AACN is in discussion with the advanced practice community to clearly differentiate these nursing roles.
