Is the CNL needed in the health care system?
The need for the CNL was confirmed through discussions between AACN and health care leaders. Nurse executives stated that this role has emerged in the practice setting and is being further developed on an ad hoc basis. Individuals in the role have been recruited opportunistically based on available clinicians with appropriate education and experience, personal characteristics, and self-selection. Stakeholders affirmed the need to produce these clinicians through education. In addition, reports released by the Institute of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the American Hospital Association cited the need for change in health care delivery and education of health professionals to improve patient outcomes.
