clinical nurse leader


clinical nurse leader

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CNL

A nurse who supervises and coordinates care for patients, using evidence-based methodologies to manage care plans. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the CNL requires educational preparation equal to or greater than a master's degree in nursing. Use of "CNL" also requires passing the associated certification examination. The CNL is a 2004 initiative of AACN and the Department of Veterans Affairs–Office of Nursing Services to improve the quality of patient care and prepare nurses to thrive in the health care system.