Introduction and Background
The CNL is a master’s prepared registered nurse trained as a generalist who will provide clinical leadership in the emergency department (ED) at the point of care (Reid & Dennison, 2011). In conjunction with the unit manager and educator, the CNL will contribute leadership and knowledge at the microsystem (unit) level (Perry, 2011). The CNL will improve patient quality and safety outcomes via addressing organizational needs and assisting in the redesign of care delivery in the ED. In addition, the CNL, as a conduit between leadership, clinical staff, and providers, will improve staff and provider relationships. Consequently, care fragmentation will decline as the CNL unifies the multiple disciplines …show more content…
The CNL will coach and mentor staff with the goal of moving them from novice to expert, utilizing evidence based practice. This role will lead by example, exhibiting successful interchanges with persons of various social, economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds for the purpose of increasing staff, provider, and patient satisfaction (UC Santa Cruz, 2013).
Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge and skills required: ability to utilize multiple sources to garner information. Expertise in the roles, responsibilities, and functions of a clinical nurse in an emergency department setting. A thorough understanding of evidence based practice at the point of care. Possesses an understanding of complex relationships, including those with staff, physicians, and the organization. Demonstrates experience utilizing strategies for the successful cultivation of quality improvement and staff development. Demonstrated skills in the use of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Qualifications and Education …show more content…
Secondary to the implementation of evidence based practice, mentorship of bedside care providers, and quality improvement projects, the CNL will increase effectiveness and efficiency. The CNL will not directly affect the responsibility of the staff at the bedside, however, with increased knowledge comes increased responsibility, and via mentoring and education, the CNL will move staff from novice to expert. In addition, the CNL role will facilitate a decrease length of stay, improve patient outcomes utilizing research based interventions that reduce errors and increase safety (Stavrianopoulos,