title: Clinical nurse leader impact on clinical microsystems outcomes.
abstract: The clinical nurse leader (CNL) role is being rapidly implemented in healthcare settings. A major component of the CNL role is to provide a leader at the center of the microsystem to promote quality outcomes. To examine the impact of CNLs at the Department of Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, outcomes from 5 diverse microsystems were evaluated before and after CNL implementation using electronic scheduling system reports, patient medical records, and quality improvement reports. Statistically significant improvements were found in all 5 of the indicators evaluated. The authors discuss the implications of improvement for clinical, satisfaction, and financial performance.
authors.affiliation: Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN37129, USA. cdhix@mtsu.edu
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hix
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McKeon
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Walters
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000458:organization & administration; D006743:Hospital Bed Capacity, under 100; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013714:Tennessee; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration