What is a CNL?
CNL stands for “Clinical Nurse Leader.” This is not a degree per se but rather a role that someone earning a master’s degree (MSN) is being prepared to fulfill. Preparation for the CNL role involves broad-based generalist nursing education with additional emphasis on safety, error prevention and quality improvement in the direct care of patients with complex health problems. a. How will nurses with this education help our health care delivery system? Nurses with master’s level preparation as CNL’s are already being deployed across the country in leadership positions at the unit level in acute, long-term, and community-based health care systems. They are being recognized as critical to the delivery of safe, quality patient care, which is ultimately enhancing the health care offered in their organizations. b. Will nurses who return to school and get these degrees expect to make more money? How can health care agencies afford them? Nurses entering CNL programs across the country, and the
