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Evolution of an innovative role: the clinical nurse leader
Author(s) -
Wilson Lauri,
Orff Sonja,
Gerry Terilee,
Shirley Bobbi R.,
Tabor Danielle,
Caiazzo Kathryn,
Rouleau Darlene
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2012.01454.x
Subject(s) - nursing , flexibility (engineering) , health care , medicine , quality (philosophy) , quality management , sustainability , patient safety , scope (computer science) , business , political science , management , marketing , ecology , philosophy , epistemology , computer science , law , economics , biology , programming language , service (business)
Aims This study describes the evolution of the clinical nurse leader ( CNL ® ) role and its utility in a tertiary care and community hospital. Background In the US , quality and safety metrics are being publically reported and healthcare organizations are just beginning to experience pay‐for‐performance and its impact. The A merican A ssociation of the C olleges of N ursing ( AACN ) developed the role of the CNL to address the complexities and challenges of providing high‐quality care in the current environment. Evaluation Since 2007, a cohort of CNL s in practice has evaluated the effectiveness of the role with measures of clinical outcomes, financial savings and case studies. Key issues Having CNL s with a strategic perspective acting as facilitators and integrators of care has proven invaluable. Leadership support has been critical and commitment to maintaining the integrity of the role has ensured its success and sustainability. Conclusions This role has established its value in risk assessment, strategic quality improvement, interdisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of evidence‐based solutions. Implications for nursing management The flexibility and broad scope of this role allows for its use across practice settings and represents an exciting opportunity for nursing to drive quality of care to new levels while managing costs.