The CNL certification is administered by the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC), an autonomous certifying body of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The mission of the CNC is to oversee Clinical Nurse Leadersm (CNL) certification activities to assure communities of interest that certificants have met accepted standards of practice. The CNC Board of Commissioners (CNCBOC) governs the CNL certification process. The CNCBOC and staff are solely responsible for the policies and administration of the CNL Certification Program.
The Certified Clinical Nurse LeaderSM (CNL) is a master’s educated nurse who has graduated from a CNL masters program, prepared for practice across the continuum of care within any healthcare setting and successfully completed the CNL certification examination. In 2003, the American Association of Colleges and Nursing (AACN) developed the CNL skill set in collaboration with leaders from academia and the practice arena to help improve patient care and decrease fragmentation in the healthcare delivery system.
CNL certification is based upon a national standard of requisite knowledge and experiences, thereby assisting employers, the public, and members of the health profession in the assessment of a CNL. This unique credential recognizes graduates who have demonstrated accepted standards of practice. It is the mark of excellence that promotes safe and quality practice through its ongoing requirements for professional development.
On the front lines of the healthcare delivery system, CNLs are active members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team and help to assure the delivery of efficient and cost-effective patient care. It is an implementation role that varies depending on the healthcare setting.
As such, they:
- Oversee care coordination of a distinct group of patients;
- Actively provide direct patient care in complex situations;
- Evaluate patient outcomes, assess cohort risk, and have the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary;
- Put evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery; and
- Provide the leadership needed to repair fragmented care delivery across settings.
