Nurse Leader Job Description

A nurse leader coordinates patient care for a distinct group of patients.

A nurse leader, also referred to as a clinical nurse leader (CNL), is a registered nurse who coordinates the care of a distinct group of patients for a hospital or health care facility. This role was developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Qualifications

This occupation is an advanced generalist nurse position, which requires a master's degree in nursing. All nurses are required to obtain a license to pratice professionally. Licensing is administered through each state's board of nursing.

Management

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, "Clinical Nurse Leaders provide lateral integration at the point of care and combine evidence-based practice with microsystems-level advocacy, centralized care coordination, outcomes measurement, risk assessment, quality improvement and interprofessional communication."

Direct Patient Care

Along with coordinating care programs, these professionals provide patient care in complex situations and have the authority to change patients' care plans when necessary.

Salary

As of July 2010, the national average salary is $69,000 per year for this occupation (according to Indeed.com).

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Registered Nurses
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Indeed.com: Clinical Nurse Leader Salary

Resources

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing: CNL Brochure