Professionalism Communication & relationship management
Business skills and principles
Knowledge of health care environment
Leadership
Figure 4-1 • Core of leadership competencies. Source: Copyright © 2005 by the American Organization of Nurse Executives. Address reprint permission requests to [email protected].
50 PART 1 • UNDERSTANDING NURSING MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONS
Clinical Nurse Leader The clinical nurse leader is not a manager, per se, but instead is a lateral integrator of care re- sponsible for a specified group of clients within a microsystem of the health care setting (AACN, 2007). The CNL role is designed to respond more effectively to challenges in today’s rapidly changing, complex technological environment (Harris & Roussel, 2009). Prepared at the mas- ter’s level, the CNL coordinates care at the bedside and supervises the health care team, among other duties (Sherman, 2010).
Use of the clinical nurse leader positions in health care organizations has improved patient outcomes and reduced costs and is expected to expand as the demand for quality continues (Hix, McKeon, & Walters, 2009; Stanley et al., 2008). Problems have emerged, however, as CNLs transition into organizations. These include being drawn into direct patient care, explaining the role to other nurses and health care providers, and acceptance by the staff (Sherman, 2010).