Become a Clinical Nurse Leader in 3 Steps
What Defines a Clinical Nurse Leader?
The clinical nurse leader (CNL) role was created in 2004 by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). A CNL is an advanced practice nurse who coordinates and oversees care for a group of patients. The focus is on improving patient outcomes by integrating evidence-based practices and enhancing the delivery of healthcare services.
While the CNL is a leadership role, it is not managerial. Clinical nurse leaders provide guidance on clinical care decisions and work closely with the healthcare team, serving as an advocate for patients and nursing staff.
Traits of a Successful Clinical Nurse Leader
To excel in the CNL role, you should possess several key attributes:
- Strong critical thinking skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Ability to inspire and lead others
- Flexibility and openness to change
- A commitment to patient safety
- Willingness to take ownership of decisions
What Are the Responsibilities of Clinical Nurse Leaders?
Clinical nurse leaders have a broad range of responsibilities. These include:
- Coordinating care plans with other healthcare team members
- Assessing patient risks and adjusting care plans as needed
- Ensuring the use of evidence-based practices and advanced technologies
- Mentoring and guiding nurses on best practices
- Leading quality improvement initiatives
- Upholding patient safety and contributing to a healthy work environment
CNLs play a vital role in improving the quality of patient care and are integral in reducing healthcare costs by optimizing care processes.
A Typical Day for a Clinical Nurse Leader
A clinical nurse leader’s day is dynamic and filled with patient-focused activities. Here’s what a typical day might include:
- Reviewing patient charts to identify any changes or concerns
- Collaborating with nurses to discuss care plans and treatment updates
- Visiting patients to assess their needs and ensure care goals are met
- Educating patients and their families about treatment options
- Supporting bedside nurses with patient care and treatment adjustments
- Working with the healthcare team to arrange necessary services like physical therapy or occupational therapy
- Responding to inquiries from nursing staff regarding patient resources
Common Conditions Managed by Clinical Nurse Leaders
The scope of care managed by a clinical nurse leader is diverse, covering a wide range of conditions such as:
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Orthopedic issues
- Diabetes
- Mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety)
- Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Post-surgery recovery
- Traumatic injuries
Where Do Clinical Nurse Leaders Work?
Clinical nurse leaders are employed in various healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals – Major healthcare systems like Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Cleveland Clinic offer opportunities for CNLs to lead patient care teams.
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Outpatient clinics
- Cancer centers – Specialized facilities like the MD Anderson Cancer Center provide environments where CNLs can lead care for patients with complex cancer treatments.
- Mental health facilities – Clinical nurse leaders in mental health centers guide treatment for patients with psychiatric disorders, providing critical leadership in multidisciplinary teams.
Related Fields
The leadership qualities required for a clinical nurse leader are also seen in other advanced nursing roles. Here are some related positions that share similar leadership traits:
- Clinical nurse manager
- Director of nursing
- Chief nursing officer
- Healthcare administrator
- Clinical nurse educator
While distinct from the CNL role, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree can complement the skills gained through CNL training and advance leadership capabilities.
How to Become a Clinical Nurse Leader in 3 Steps
Step 1 – Become a Registered Nurse
The first step toward becoming a clinical nurse leader is to become a registered nurse (RN). This requires earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program, which can be completed through traditional, accelerated, or RN-to-BSN pathways. Afterward, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your nursing license.
Step 2 – Gain Experience
Experience is crucial in building the skills and confidence needed for a CNL role. Aspiring CNLs should work in different nursing specialties to broaden their clinical knowledge and expertise. It’s particularly helpful to gain experience in areas such as patient care quality improvement, mentorship, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Step 3 – Obtain a Master’s Degree and Certification
To become a clinical nurse leader, you must earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), with a focus on CNL training. Consider enrolling in a BSN-MSN program if you already hold a BSN or an RN-MSN program if you are an ADN nurse.
After completing the required MSN program, you’ll need to pass the CNL certification exam. The certification process includes a requirement of completing at least 300 clinical hours as part of your CNL training.
Additional Requirements and Career Development
The CNL certification is valid for five years. To maintain certification, you must complete the following before it expires:
- 2,000 hours of professional practice
- 50 contact hours, including continuing education units (CEUs)
- A current RN license
As the healthcare landscape evolves, clinical nurse leaders have ample opportunities for career advancement. Many CNLs pursue further leadership roles or work toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to enhance their ability to influence healthcare policy and administration.
Salary and Career Prospects for Clinical Nurse Leaders
The demand for clinical nurse leaders continues to rise, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a steady increase in the nursing workforce. By 2026, there will be about 26,000 annual job openings for master’s-level nurses, including CNLs.
Clinical nurse leaders earn competitive salaries. In 2025, the national average annual salary for a CNL is approximately $102,715, though this figure can vary by location and healthcare setting. States like California, New York, and Massachusetts offer some of the highest salaries for nursing professionals.
Job Satisfaction and Next Steps
Many clinical nurse leaders find their work highly rewarding. They are often able to make significant improvements in patient care and contribute to the overall well-being of their organizations. If you are considering a career as a CNL, take the time to network with current clinical nurse leaders to gain insights and advice on navigating the path.
For some, the next step may involve pursuing further leadership roles, such as becoming a Chief Nursing Officer or advancing their clinical expertise with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
No matter which direction you take, becoming a clinical nurse leader offers a chance to make a profound impact on patient care and the nursing profession.
For the latest job opportunities in nursing leadership roles, check out GoodWork.
