About the CNL

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are common questions related to the Clinical Nurse Leader initiative with corresponding answers. If you have additional questions that you would like answered, please send them to jstanley@aacnnursing.org.

The Clinical Nurse Leader is an emerging nursing role developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (优蜜传媒) in collaboration with an array of leaders from the practice environment. Two 优蜜传媒 task forces were convened to identify (1) how to improve the quality of patient care and (2) how to best prepare nurses with the competencies needed to thrive in the current and future healthcare system. The Clinical Nurse Leader role emerged following several years of research and discussion with stakeholders as a way to engage highly skilled clinicians in outcomes-based practice and quality improvement strategies. CNL® is a unique credential that recognizes certified Clinical Nurse Leaders.

The CNL oversees the lateral integration of care for a distinct group of patients and may actively provide direct patient care in complex situations. The CNL puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery. The CNL collects and evaluates patient outcomes, assesses cohort risk, and has the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary. This clinician functions as part of an interprofessional team by communicating, planning, and implementing care directly with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, social workers, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners. The CNL role is not one of administration or management. The CNL is a leader in healthcare delivery across all settings, not just in acute care. Implementation of this role will vary across settings. The CNL role is fully described in 优蜜传媒’s Competencies and Curricular Expectations for Clinical Nurse Leader^SM Education and Practice.

The need for the Clinical Nurse Leader was confirmed through discussions between 优蜜传媒 and healthcare leaders. Nurse executives stated that this role emerged in the practice setting, and those serving in this capacity were being prepared on an ad hoc basis. Individuals to fill this and similar roles had previously been recruited based on available clinicians with appropriate education and experience, personal characteristics, and self-selection. Stakeholders affirmed the need to produce these clinicians through a formal degree-granting program. In addition, reports released by the Institute of Medicine, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the American Hospital Association all cited the need to make changes in healthcare delivery and the education of health professionals to improve patient outcomes.

The CNL is an advanced clinician with education at the master's degree level. Graduate education is necessary because the CNL must bring a high level of clinical competence and knowledge to the point of care and to serve as a resource for the nursing team. The master’s degree with a major in nursing will prepare graduates for an advanced role. Click here to find a CNL Program.

The 优蜜传媒 Board has taken a position that the CNL must be educated at the master’s degree level. Two 优蜜传媒 task forces have said the new role will require education beyond the current four-year baccalaureate program.

No. At their January 2004 meeting, the 优蜜传媒 Board of Directors reaffirmed the organization’s strong support for baccalaureate nursing education. Though 优蜜传媒 recognizes that entry-level nurses will continue to be prepared at the diploma and associate degree (ADN) levels, the organization supports the four-year baccalaureate degree as the minimum credential for professional nursing practice. 优蜜传媒 encourages differentiated nursing practice based on educational preparation and supports efforts to move ADN and diploma graduates into baccalaureate and graduate degree programs.

The CNL is not prepared as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) as the APRN is currently defined. Advanced practice nurses, including clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) and nurse practitioners (NPs), are prepared with specialist education in a defined area of practice. The CNL and APRN roles complement one another and bring unique expertise to the healthcare team. 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). Resources: CNL vs. CNS and CNL vs. Nurse Manager.

The 优蜜传媒 Board approved three educational models as the starting point for the development of programs to prepare the CNL. Models were developed to accommodate graduates of BSN programs and second-degree students. Since that time, additional models have developed to accommodate ADN graduates (RN to MSN) and MSN graduates with a post-master’s certificate. All models culminate with a CNL-focused master’s degree or post-master’s certificate.

优蜜传媒, in collaboration with practice partners, public consumers, and a professional test development agency, has created a certification examination and process to credential graduates of the CNL master’s degree programs. The Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC) was established in 2007 to manage and oversee the certification of CNLs. The CNC is an autonomous arm of 优蜜传媒 and is governed by its own Board of Directors, comprised of representatives from the education setting, practice setting, working CNLs, and consumers.

Only individuals who graduate from a CNL master’s education program or a student in their last term of a CNL education program that meets the criteria delineated in the CNL Curriculum Framework and prepares individuals with the competencies identified in 优蜜传媒’s Competencies and Curricular Expectations for Clinical Nurse LeaderSM Education and Practice are eligible to sit for this certification examination. Those who successfully complete and pass the CNL Certification Examination and have received their license to practice as a registered nurse by passing the NCLEX exam will earn the CNL credential. Click here to view the CNL Exam Eligibility Requirements for students and faculty.

CNL program graduates will take the CNL Certification Examination at their school of nursing or at a local testing center upon graduation. Students can find the application materials online here. All students and faculty interested in CNL Certification should read the CNL® Certification Examination Guide. To learn more and to register your school of nursing as a CNL Certification Exam location, please contact CNC Staff at cnl@aacnnursing.org.

优蜜传媒 convened a meeting on June 16-17, 2004 with the 77 education-practice partnerships committed to piloting a CNL demonstration program. At this meeting, education-practice models and curricula were discussed, and an implementation timeline was developed. In 2004, the 优蜜传媒 Board appointed the CNL Implementation Task Force, comprised of education and practice representatives, to oversee the implementation of the CNL initiative. From 2004 –2007, numerous and diverse activities were undertaken. Five regional meetings, held January–April 2005, provided opportunities for all partners working to implement the CNL initiative to network, discuss outstanding issues, raise questions, and obtain updates from the Implementation Task Force. Two more regional meetings were held in June 2006 to provide informational and collaborative opportunities for the education and practice partners involved in the CNL Initiative.

In Spring 2007, the 优蜜传媒 Board appointed the CNL Steering Committee, also comprised of education and practice representatives, to elevate visibility and sustainability of the CNL advanced generalist role’s impact on patient care outcomes and oversee the continued implementation of the CNL initiative. With 117 education partners and 220 practice partners, the CNL initiative continues to be active with regular teleconferences and webinars, an active CNL student/graduate listserv, and regular partner presentations at regional and national meetings through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and other nursing organizations. Cathy Rick, CNO of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, has committed to implementing the CNL role in all VA Medical Centers by the year 2016, propelling both interest and action within the practice setting. 优蜜传媒 has also engage former CNO Linda Rusch, an early adopter of the CNL role, to serve as the CNL resource course for both educational and practice leaders.

A cooperative effort between education and practice is necessary to ensure that the CNL is prepared for practice and possesses a distinct scope of practice. The CNL Steering Committee appointed by the 优蜜传媒 Board includes representatives of both academia and practice. Representatives from the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are actively participating with 优蜜传媒 on this initiative. 优蜜传媒 continues to work collaboratively with nurse executives and administrators to establish congruence between educational preparation and practice roles. 优蜜传媒 will keep members and other stakeholders apprised of its efforts to move the CNL project forward. The Board will continue to seek input from members and constituent groups interested in this initiative, including the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and other nursing organizations, including those representing APRNs, certification, and accreditation, among others.

优蜜传媒's role as a leader in nursing education encompasses the responsibility for developing, supporting and testing new models and approaches to improve nursing education and practice. 优蜜传媒 will continue to use a consensus-building process as the CNL programs continue to evolve. From 2004-2007, the 优蜜传媒 CNL Implementation Task Force oversaw the implementation of the CNL initiative in nursing programs and practice settings across the country. In Spring 2007, the CNL Steering Committee was charged with continued oversight of the CNL initiative by providing guidance, resources, and collaborative opportunities for all interested stakeholders.

Discussions about the practice doctorate in nursing have been occurring throughout the nursing education and practice arenas. In October 2004, 优蜜传媒’s membership endorsed the Position Statement on the Practice Doctorate in Nursing which recognizes the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree as a terminal degree and the highest level of preparation for specialty clinical practice. Read the position statement online. The CNL and practice doctorate initiatives are separate but complementary projects. 优蜜传媒 recognizes that the outcomes of either project inform and shape the work of the other project.

CNL Bibliography

Download CNL Bibliography

Journal Articles

American Journal of Nursing. (2010, January). The Clinical Nurse Leader: An update on the controversial nursing role. American Journal of Nursing, 110(1), 22-23.

Baernholdt, M., & Cottingham, S. (2011). The Clinical Nurse Leader - new nursing role with global implications. International Nursing Review, 58(1), 74-78. doi:10.1111/j.1466-7657.2010.00835.x

Barnett, Stanton, M. P., & Blakney, J. L. (2010). Innovative partnerships: the clinical nurse leader role in diverse clinical settings. Journal Of Professional Nursing, 26(5), 258-263. doi:10.1016/j.profnurs.2010.06.004

Bartels, J. (2005, December). Educating nurses for the 21^st century. Nursing and Health Sciences, 7(4), 221-225.

Bartels, J. & Bednash, G. (2005, January-March). Answering the call for quality nursing care and patient safety: A new model for nursing education. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 29(1), 5-13.

Begun, J., Tornabeni, J. & White, K. R. (2006, January/February). Opportunities for improving patient care through lateral integration: The Clinical Nurse Leader. Journal of Healthcare Management, 51(1), 19-25.

Bender, M. (2015). Conceptualizing clinical nurse leader practice: an interpretive synthesis. (February) Journal of Nursing Management. doi:10.1111/jonm.12285

Bender, M. (2014, March/April). The Current Evidence Base for the Clinical Nurse Leader: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Journal of Professional Nursing, 30(2), 110-123. doi:10.1016/j.profnurs.2013.08.006

Bender, M., Connelly, C. D., & Brown, C. (2013). Interdisciplinary collaboration: the role of the clinical nurse leader. Journal Of Nursing Management, 21(1), 165-174. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2834.2012.01385.x

Bender, M., Connelly, C. D., Glaser, D., & Brown, C. (2012). Clinical Nurse Leader Impact on Microsystem Care Quality. Nursing Research, 61(5), 326-332. doi:10.1097/NNR.0b013e318265a5b6

Bender, M., Mann, L., & Olsen, J. (2011). Clinical Nurse Leader. Leading Transformation: Implementing the Clinical Nurse Leader Role. Journal Of Nursing Administration, 41(7/8), 296-298. doi:10.1097/NNA.0b013e3182250905 Bombard, E., Chapman, K., Doyle, M., Wright, D. K., Shippee-Rice,

Bombard, E., Chapman, K., Doyle, M., Wright, D., Shippe-Rice, R. & Kasik, D. R. (2010, November-December). Answering the question, "what is a clinical nurse leader?": transition experience of four direct-entry master's students. Journal Of Professional Nursing, 26(6), 332-340. doi:10.1016/j.profnurs.2010.04.001

Bowcutt, M. & Coolsby, M.J. (2006, April-June). The Clinical Nurse Leader: Promoting patient-centered outcomes. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 30(2) 156-161.

Brenner, Z. R., Stachowiak, M., & Bugel, M. (2013). TWO NURSING ROLES... "The Clinical Nurse Leader and the Case Manager: Are Both Roles Needed?" (January). American Journal Of Nursing, 113(5), 13. doi:10.1097/01.NAJ.0000430218.76326.c5

Clinical nurse leader: a new force in the road to quality. (2010). Joint Commission Benchmark, 12(1), 6-7.

Coleman, C. (2013). Integrating Quality and Breast Cancer Care: Role of the Clinical Nurse Leader. Oncology Nursing Forum, 40(4), 311-314. doi:10.1188/13.ONF.311-314

Courtney, J., & Dorwart, S. (2010). The clinical nurse leader in a rural healthcare setting. Pulse (00334189), 47(1), 9.

Drenkard, K. & Cohen, E. (2004, June). Clinical nurse leader: moving toward the future. Journal of Nursing Administration, 34(6), 257-260.

Drenkard, K. (2004, March/April). The clinical nurse leader: A response from practice. Journal of Professional Nursing, 20(2), 89-96.

Ebright, P.R. (2004, July/August). Understanding nurse work. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 18(4), 168-170.

Edouard-Trevathan, E. (2010). The clinical nurse leader: a catalyst in community healthcare transformation. Nurse Leader, 8(2), 25-28. doi:10.1016/j.mnl/2010.01.005

Eggenberger, T., Garrison, H., Hilton, N., & Giovengo, K. (2013). Discharge phone calls: using person-centred communication to improve outcomes. Journal of Nursing Management , 21(5), 733-739. doi: 10.1111/jonm.12100.

Erickson, J.I. & Ditomassi, M. (2005, March). The clinical nurse leader: New in name only. Journal of Nursing Education, 44(2), 99-100.

Gabuat, J., Hilton, N. Linnaird, L.S., & Sherman, R.O. (2008 July). Implementing the Clinical Nurse Leader role in a for-profit environment. Journal of Nursing Administration, 38(6) 302-307.

Gardenier, D. (2012). Does Nursing Need the Clinical Nurse Leader?. Journal For Nurse Practitioners, 8(1), 30-31. doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.11.007

Gerard, S., Grossman, S., & Godfrey, M. (2012). Course strategies for clinical nurse leader development. Journal Of Professional Nursing, 28(3), 147-155. doi:10.1016/j.profnurs.2011.11.012

Girard, N.J. (2005 May). Possible new career options. AORN Journal, 81(5), 961-963.

Goudreau, K.A. (2008, October-December). Confusion, concern, or complimentary function: the overlapping roles of the clinical nurse specialist and the clinical nurse leader. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 32(4), 301-307.

Grindel, C. (2005, August). 优蜜传媒 Presents the Clinical Nurse Leader and Doctor in Nursing Practice Roles: A Benefit or a Misfortune? MEDSURG Nursing, 14(4), 209-910.

Haase-Herrick, K. (2005, April-June). The opportunities of stewardship. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 29-2), 115-118.

Haase-Herrick, Karen S., and Herrin, Donna M. (2007). The American Organization of Nurse Executives’ Guiding Principles and American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Clinical Nurse Leader: A Lesson in Synergy. (February). JONA: Journal of Nursing Administration, 37(2), 55-60.

Harris, J.L. & Ott, K. (2008, August). Building the business case for the clinical nurse leader role. Nurse Leader, 6(4), 25-28, 37.

Harris, J. L., Stanley, J., & Rosseter, R. (2011). The Clinical Nurse Leader: Addressing Health-Care Challenges Through Partnerships and Innovation. Journal Of Nursing Regulation, 2(2), 40-46.

Harris, J.L., Tornabeni, J. & Walters, S.E. (2006, October). The clinical nurse leader: a valued member of the healthcare team. Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(10), 446- 449.

Hartranft, S.R., Garcia, T. & Adams, N. (2007, June). Realizing the anticipated effects of the clinical nurse leader. Journal of Nursing Administration, 37(6), 261-263.

Hix, C., McKeon, L. & Walters,S. (2009, February). Clinical nurse leader impact on clinical microsystem outcomes. Journal of Nursing Administration, 39(2), 71-76.

Hinebaugh, A., & Calamaro, C. (2011). The Clinical Nurse Leader: Playing an Integral Role in the Prevention and Treatment of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity. Bariatric Nursing & Surgical Patient Care, 6(3), 145-150. doi:10.1089/bar.2011.9950

Inglett, S. (2011). The effect of a tobacco cessation service-learning project on CNL student knowledge, confidence, beliefs, and intentions to intervene with tobacco dependent pregnant women.

Jeffers, Brenda Recchia. (2013). The Clinical Nurse Leader: Prepared for an Era of Healthcare Reform.

Jeffers, B.R. & Astroth, K.S. (2013, September). The Clinical Nurse Leader: Prepared for an Era of Healthcare Reform. Nursing Forum, 48(2), 223-226.

Jordan, K., & Aureli, S. (2013). The clinical nurse leader: an innovative role. ASBN Update, 17(2), 16.

Jukkala, A., Greenwood, R., Ladner, K., & Hopkins, L. (2010). The clinical nurse leader and rural hospital safety and quality. Online Journal Of Rural Nursing & Health Care, 10(2), 38-44.

Karshmer, J., Seed, M. & Torkelson, D. (2009, October). The Clinical Nurse Leader: How will the role affect psychiatric nursing? (Guest editorial). Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 47(10), 8-9.

Kennedy, M.S. (20004, October). Introducing the clinical nurse leader: Yet another nursing title. American Journal of Nursing, 104(10), 22.

Keiswetter, S., & Brotemarkle, B. (2010). Culturally competent care for HIV-infected transgender persons in the inpatient hospital setting: the role of the clinical nurse leader. JANAC: Journal Of The Association Of Nurses In AIDS Care, 21(3), 272-277. doi:10.1016/j.jana.2010.02.003

King, M., & Harland, B. (2013). Holistic Clinical Nurse Leader. Beginnings, 33(1), 18- 21.

Kohler, M. (2010). Exploring the Relationships among Work-Related Stress, Quality of Life, Job Satisfaction, and Anticipated Turnover on Nursing Units with Clinical Nurse Leaders (Doctoral dissertation, University of South Florida).

L'Ecuyer, K., & Meyer, G. (2011). Educating students for a new nursing role: the clinical nurse leader. Missouri State Board Of Nursing Newsletter, 13(3), 3.

Lee, S., & Calamaro, C. (2012). Nursing Bias and the Obese Patient: The Role of the Clinical Nurse Leader in Improving Care of the Obese Patient. Bariatric Nursing & Surgical Patient Care, 7(3), 127-131.

Long, K.A. (2004, March/April). Preparing nurses for the 21^st century: Re-envisioning nursing education and practice. Journal of Professional Nursing, 20(2), 82-88.

Maag, M.M., Buccheri, R., Capella, E. & Jennings, D.L.. (2006, November-December). A conceptual framework for a clinical nurse leader program. Journal of Professional Nursing, 22(6), 367-372.

McCabe, S. (2006, November). What does it take to make a nurse? Considerations of the CNL and DNP role development. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 42(4), 252-255.

McKeon, L.M., Norris, T.L., Webb, S., Hix, C. Ramsey, G., & Jacob, S.R. (2009, November-December). Teaching Clinical Nurse Leaders how to diagnose clinical Microsystems. Journal of Professional Nursing, 25(6), 373-378.

Mclaughlin, D. (2013). The Clinical Nurse Leader: meeting to objective of improved patient outcomes. Pulse (00334189), 50(1), 13.

Monaghan, H. M. (2011). Clarifying the clinical nurse leader role: guardian of care. American Nurse Today, 6(4),

Moore, L., Kelly, C. W., Schmidt, S., Miller, M., & Reynolds, M. (2011). Second degree prelicensure master's graduates: what attracts them to nursing, their views on the profession, and their contributions. Journal Of Professional Nursing, 27(1), 19-27. 诲辞颈:10.1016/脗&颈别虫肠濒;.辫谤辞蹿苍耻谤蝉.2010.03.002

Murphy, Elizabeth A. Healthcare Reform—A New Role for Changing Times: Embracing the Clinical Nurse Leader Role—A strategic Partnership to Drive Outcomes. Nurse Leader, 12(4), 53-57. doi: 10.1016/j.mnl.2014.05.010

Nelson, R. (2010). The clinical nurse leader: an update on the controversial nursing role. American Journal Of Nursing, 110(1), 22-23. doi:10.1097/01.NAJ.0000366046.89571.24

Norris, T. L., Webb, S. S., McKeon, L. M., Jacob, S. R., & Herrin-Griffith, D. (2012). Using Portfolios to Introduce the Clinical Nurse Leader to the Job Market. Journal Of Nursing Administration, 42(1), 47-51. doi:10.1097/NNA.0b013e31823c18e3

O'Grady, E. L., & Van Graafeiland, ,. (2012). Bridging the Gap in Care for Children Through the Clinical Nurse Leader. Pediatric Nursing, 38(3), 155-167.

Oesterle, M. (2011). The clinical nurse leader: quality, safety and evidence-based practice. Chart, 109(3), 23.

Perry, A. (2013). The Clinical Nurse Leader: Improving Outcomes and Efficacy in the Emergency Department. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 39(4), 334-339.

Porter-O’Grady, T., Clark, J.S., & Wiggins, M. (2010, February). The Case for Clinical Nurse Leaders: Guiding Nursing Practice into the 21^st Century. Nurse Leader, 8(1), 37- 41.

Poulin,-Tabor, D., Quirk, R.L., Wilson, L., Orff, S., Gallant, P., Swan, N. & Manchester, N. (2008, July). Pioneering a new role: the beginning, current practice and future of the Clinical Nurse Leader. Journal of Nursing Management, 16(6), 623-628.

Radzyminski, S. (2005, March-April). Advances in graduate nursing education: Beyond the advanced practice nurse. Journal of Professional Nursing, 21(2), 119-125.

Rankin, V. (2015, May-June). Clinical Nurse Leader: A Role for the 21^st Century. Medsurg Nursing, 24(3), 199-203.

Reid, K. B., & Dennison, P. (2011). The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL): Point-of-Care Safety Clinician. Online Journal Of Issues In Nursing, 16(3), 1. doi:10.3912/OJIN.Vol16No03Man04

Rivet, C., Steeves, S., Brennan, D., Creamer, M., & Haverly, M. (2013). A closer look at hybrid nurses. Nursing Management, 44(2), 38-42. doi:10.1097/01.NUMA.0000424017.37551.af

Rogers, T. L., and Darden, C. R. (2014). How clinical nurse leaders can improve rural healthcare. Nursing2014, 44(9), 52-55. Doi:10.1097/01.NURSE.000452994.18665.57

Rosseter, R. (2009, August). A new role for nurses: Making room for the Clinical Nurse Leader. The Joint Commission Perspectives on Patient Safety, 9(8), 5-7.

Rosseter, R. (2010). Is the clinical nurse leader role for you?. Imprint (00193062), 57(1), 39-41.

Rusch, L. & Bakewell-Sachs, S. (2007, April). The CNL: A gateway to better care? Nursing Management, 38(4), 32-40.

Schneider, Julia Stocker. (2014). Clinical Nurse Leader. (October) Home Healthcare Now, 32(9), 563-564.

Seed, M.S., Torkelson, D.J. & Karshmer, J.F. (2009, May). The Clinical Nurse Leader: Helping psychiatric mental health nurses transform their practice. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 15(2), 120-125.

Seneca, K. (2010). Advancing nursing research by the clinical nurse leader. Institute For Nursing Newsletter, 6(1), 11.

Sheets, M., Bonnah, B., Kareivis, J., Abraham, P., Sweeney, M. & Strauss, J. (2012). Nursing, 42(8), 54-58. doi: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000415837.20995.e2

Sherman, R., Clark, J., & Maloney, J. (2008, June). Developing the clinical leader role in the twelve bed hospital model: An education/service partnership. Nurse Leader, 6(3), 54- 58.

Sherman, R.O. (2008, July-August). Factors influencing organizational participation in the Clinical Nurse Leader Project. Nursing Economics, 26(4), 236-241, 249.

Sherman, R.O., Edwards, B., Giovengo, K. & Hilton, N. (2009, October/December). The role of the Clinical Nurse Leader in promoting a healthy work environment at the unit level. Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, 32(4), 264-271.

Sherman, R. (2010, December). Lessons in Innovation: Role Transition Experiences of Clinical Nurse Leaders. Journal of Nursing Administration, 40(12), 547-554.

Shipman, S., Stanton, M., Hankins, J., & Odom-Bartel, R. (2013). Incorporation of the clinical nurse leader in public health practice. Journal Of Professional Nursing, 29(1), 4-10. doi:10.1016/j.profnurs.2012.04.004

Smith, D.S. & Dabbs, M.T. (2007, April). Transforming the care delivery model in preparation for the clinical nurse leader. Journal of Nursing Administration, 37(4), 157- 160.

Smith ,S.L., Hagos, O., Harris, J., Claus, K., Thompson, D. & Young, J. (2006, May). Hospital use of a modified clinical nurse leader. Med-Surg Matters, 15(3), 12-14.

Smith, S., Manfredi, T., Hagos, O., Drummond-Huth, B. & Moore, P.D. (2006, January). Application of the Clinical Nurse Leader Role in an acute care delivery model. Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(1), 29-33.

Sorbello, B. (2010). Clinical Nurse Leader stories: A phenomenological study about the meaning of leadership at the bedside.

Spitzer, R. (2010). Lateral integration and the clinical nurse leader. Nurse Leader, 8(2), 6. doi:10.1016/j.mnl/2010.01.001

Stachowiak, M., & Bugel, M. (2013). The Clinical Nurse Leader and the Case Manager: Are Both Roles Needed?. American Journal Of Nursing, 113(1), 59-63. doi:10.1097/01.NAJ.0000425754.43827.14

Stanhope, M. & Turner, L.P. (2006, September). Diffusion of the clinical nurse leader innovation. Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(9), 385-389.

Stanley, J.M., Gannon, J., Gabuat, J., Hartranft, S., Adams, N., Mayes, C., Shouse, G.M., Edwards, B.A. & Burch, D. (2008, July). The clinical nurse leader: a catalyst for improving quality and patient safety. Journal of Nursing Management, 16(5), 614-622.

Stanley, J.M., Hoiting, T., Burton, D., Harris, J. & Norman, L. (2007, March-April). Implementing innovation through education-practice partnerships. Nursing Outlook, 55(2), 67-73.

Stanton, M. P., Barnett, & Williams, E. S. (2011). The clinical nurse leader: a comparative study of the american association of colleges of nursing vision to role implementation. Journal Of Professional Nursing, 27(2), 78-83. doi:10.1016/j.profnurs.2010.09.014

Stavrianopoulos, T. (2012). The clinical nurse leader. Health Science Journal, 6(3), 392- 401.

Tachibana, C. & Nelson-Peterson, D.L. (2007, November). Implementing the clinical nurse leader role using the Virginia Mason Production System. Journal of Nursing Administration, 37(11), 477-479.

Tanner, C. A. (2005, June). What are our priorities? Addressing the looming shortage of nursing faculty. Journal of Nursing Education, 44(6), 247-248.

Thew, Jennifer. (2016, February). Creating the Future of Nursing. HealthLeaders Media: CNO Insights Report, 2-7.

Thies, K. M. (2013). The Clinical Nurse Leader Role at Elliot Health System. Nursing News, 37(1), 16.

Thompson, P. & Lulham, K. (2007, October). Clinical nurse leader and clinical nurse specialist role delineation in the acute care setting. Journal of Nursing Administration, 37(10), pp. 429-31.

Tornabeni, J. & Miller, J.F. (2008, July). The power of partnership to shape the future of nursing: the evolution of the clinical nurse leader. Journal of Nursing Management, 16(5), 608-613.

Tornabeni, J., Stanhope, M. & Wiggins, M. (2006, March). The CNL vision. Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(3), 103-108.

Tornabeni, J. (2006, January). The evolution of a revolution in nursing. Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(1), 3-6.

Weaver Moore, ,., & Leahy, C. (2012). Implementing the new clinical nurse leader role while gleaning insights from the past. Journal Of Professional Nursing, 28(3), 139-146. doi:10.1016/j.profnurs.2011.11.010

Webb, S. & McKeon, L. (2014). A Model for Preparing Faculty to Teach Model C Clinical Nurse Leader Students. Journal of Nursing Education, 53(7): 421-5. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20140617-05

Wesolowski, M. S., Cadery, G. L., Berry, S. J., & Gannon, J. (2014). The Clinical Nurse Leader in the Perioperative Setting: A Preceptor Experience. Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Journal, 100(1), 30-42. doi: 10.1016/j.aron.2013.11.021

Wiggins, M.S. (2006, July/August). The partnership care delivery model. Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(7-8), 341-345.

Wilson L., Orff S., Gerry T., Shirley B.R., Tabor D., Caiazzo K. & Rouleau D. (2013), Evolution of an innovative role: the clinical nurse leader. Journal of Nursing Management, 21, 175–181.

Wilson, L., Orff, S., Gerry, T., Shirley, B. R., Tabor, D., Caiazzo, K., & Rouleau, D. (2013). Evolution of an innovative role: the clinical nurse leader. Journal Of Nursing Management, 21(1), 175-181. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2834.2012.01454.x

Williams, Marjory, Avolio, Alice E., Ott, Karen M., Miltner, Rebecca S. (2016). Promoting a Strategic Approach to Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Integration. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 40(1), 24-32. doi: 10.1097/NAQ.0000000000000143

Woodring, B.C. (2004, October-December). Clinical nurse leaders: New roles, new responsibilities, new preparation. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 9(4), 129- 133.

Wurmser, T. (2008, March). Cultivating practice and education partnerships. Nursing Management, 39(3), 44-48.

General & Trade Press Coverage

AORN Connections. (2006, September). Task force clarifies clinical nurse leader role, researches doctoral degree for nursing practice. AORN Connections, 4(9), 18.

Brown, A.B. (2008, June). Understanding the role of the Clinical Nurse Leader. American Nurse Today, 3(6), 40-41.

Crocker, E. (2007). New kid on the block: An innovative master's-prepared role enters the nursing scene. ADVANCE for Nurses, 5(7), 11.

Harris, J., & Ott, K. (2008, August). Building the Business Case for the Clinical Nurse Leader Role. Nurse Leader, 25-28.

Hilton, L. (2003, August 25). 优蜜传媒 envisions clinical nurse leader of the future. Nursing Spectrum, 15A(17), 9.

Krischke, M.M. (2011, May). Nurses of Influence: Nurse Executives and Clinical Nurse Leaders. Nurse Connect. Accessed online at

McKinney, M. (2010, December 6). Nurses in charge. Modern Healthcare, 28-30.

Meyers, S. (2008, March-April). CNLs get the big picture: At Miami Valley Hospital, a new nurse leadership role supplements bedside care to ensure quality... clinical nurse leader. Nursing Spectrum(Midwest), 9(2), 20-21.

Meyers, S. (2008, March 10). CNLs proving useful on nursing floors, Nursing Spectrum. Accessed online at

Miller, P. (2008, June). Clinical nurse leader -- a new nursing role. Tennessee Nurse, 71(2), 4-4.

Monaghan, H.M. (2011, April). Clarifying the clinical nurse leader role: guardian of care, American Nurse Today. Accessed online at

Norris, T.L. & McKeon, L. (2008, Spring). The clinical nurse leader: transforming care in the microsystem. Tennessee Nurse, 71(1), 10.

NurseZone. (2003, November 7). 优蜜传媒 takes steps to create clinical nurse leader role. NurseZone Newsletter. Retrieved from

Ott, K., Haddock, K.S., Fox, S., Shinn, J., Walters, S., Hardin, J., Durand, K., Harris, J. (2009, November – December).The Clinical Nurse Leader: Impact on Practice Outcomes in the Veterans Health Administration. Nursing Economics, 27(6), 363-383.

Peters, M.A. (2007, September). Clinical Nurse Leader: A "go to person". Pennsylvania Nurse, 62(3), 17.

Rosenberg, L. (2007, September 24). Nursing master's-entry programs for non-nurses endorsed by RN academics. Nursing Spectrum.

Sanford, J., Hall, P. & Roussel, L. (2007, Spring). The clinical nurse leader: new role in nursing. Mississippi RN, 69(1), 17.

Scally, R. (2003, July 24). 优蜜传媒 seminar highlights the future of nursing education and leadership. NurseZone Newsletter. Retrieved from

Historical Background

Dialogue with the Board: 优蜜传媒 Clinical Nurse Leader Project (2004)

Education Models

The Clinical Nurse Leader Role: A Pilot Evaluation By An Early Adopter (2006)

CNL Talking Points