What is the role of a clinical nurse leader (CNL)?

The role of a clinical nurse leader (CNL) is fundamentally centered around overseeing patient care and facilitating care coordination. CNLs are advanced practice nurses who are responsible for ensuring that patients receive high-quality care by coordinating and integrating clinical activities at the bedside or in a healthcare setting. They work closely with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate patient care plans, always aiming to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care delivered.

CNLs utilize their clinical expertise to assess and analyze patient needs, making them pivotal in ensuring that best practices are followed in patient care and that communication among team members is effective. Their leadership in coordinating care and engaging with the healthcare team helps to bridge gaps that can occur in patient management, ultimately leading to better care experiences for patients.

The other options focus on narrower scopes of practice: providing direct patient care only does not encompass the comprehensive leadership and coordination role of a CNL, managing administrative tasks exclusively neglects the clinical aspect central to the CNL's duties, and working independently from nursing staff contradicts the collaborative nature of healthcare, where teamwork is essential for optimal patient outcomes. Thus, the correct understanding of a CNL's role is one that emphasizes collaboration, oversight, and coordination in patient care.