The Clinical Nurse Leader and Future Master of Science In Nursing Education
In this possible new vision for nursing education explained here,
master’s education programs would prepare advanced generalists in nursing,
either as entry into the profession or in post baccalaureate nursing education
programs.
The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), launched as a demonstration project,
is being developed in collaboration with multiple stakeholders from practice
and education.
Currently, 90 schools, in partnership with more than 185
health care facilities, are piloting a master’s CNL curriculum and working to
develop a new health care delivery model.
Other possible master’s degree tracks
may include preparation for middle management and informatics roles. The CNL is
an advanced generalist prepared at the master’s degree level.
Differential Characters of Master of Science in Nursing Education
Some of the key
characteristics of the CNL role include (AACN, 2003):
- Implementation of evidence-based practice in all health-care
settings for diverse and complex patients - Risk anticipation, evaluating, and anticipating risks to client
safety with the aim of quality improvement and preventing medical errors - Lateral integration of care for a specified cohort of patients
- Accountability for evaluation and improvement of point of care
outcomes - Mass customization of care
- Client and community advocacy
- Client education for individuals, families, groups, and other
health-care providers - Information management—using information systems and technology at
the point of care to improve health-care outcomes - Delegation and oversight of care delivery and outcomes
- Design and provision of health promotion and risk reduction
services for diverse populations - Team leadership and collaboration with other health professional
team members - Development and leveraging of human, environmental, and material
resources
Master of Science in Nursing Education As a Specialty
As a generalist, the CNL is not an Advanced Practice Registered
Nursing (APRN). APRNs are prepared in an advanced specialty area of practice.
The CNL collaborates with and complements APRN roles, including the Clinical
Nurse Specialist (CNS) and the Nurse Practitioner (NP), to improve patient care
outcomes.
Comparison of Bachelor with Master of Science in Nursing Education
The graduate level education of the CNL builds on professional
nursing baccalaureate degree competencies and practice (AACN, 1998). The
graduate of a CNL master’s program is prepared as a generalist to provide care
at the point of care and specific clinical leadership throughout the
health-care delivery system. The nursing profession must produce quality
graduates who:
- Are prepared for clinical
leadership in all health-care settings. - Are prepared to implement outcomes-based practice and quality
improvement strategies. - Will remain in and contribute to the profession, practicing at
their full scope of education and ability.
Master of Science in Nursing Education as a Micro System
Will create and manage micro systems of care that will be responsive
to the health-care needs of individuals and families (Batalden, Nelson,
Edwards, Godfrey, & Mohr, 2003; Mohr et al., 2003). Unless nursing is able
to create a professional role that will attract the highest quality men and
women into the profession, nursing will not be able to fulfill its covenant
with the public.
Preparation for Faculty Roles Master of Science in Nursing Education Academia
Consistent with expectations in other disciplines, the appropriate
preparation for nursing faculty is at the doctoral level. Expectations for
nursing faculty should not differ from those of other disciplines within the
academic community.
Graduates of both research-focused and practice doctorate
programs are eligible for full participation in a faculty role consistent with
the institution’s criteria. Education is a discipline itself.
Additional
coursework or opportunities for obtaining pedagogical expertise may be provided
as part of the doctoral program or through a mentoring program for new faculty.
Nursing education is not an appropriate area of focus for either the PhD or DNP
degree. Rather, the primary area of preparation in a doctoral nursing program
should be in an advanced area of nursing practice or nursing research.
Top Online Masters in Nursing Offering Universities
No.1
University of South Carolina Columbia, SC
No.2
Duke University Durham,
NC
No.3
Ohio State University Columbus, OH
No.4
University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL
No.5
Saint Xavier University Chicago, IL