title: The Certified Clinical Nurse Leader in Critical Care.
abstract: Challenges of the current health system in the United States call for collaboration of health care professionals, careful utilization of resources, and greater efficiency of system processes. Innovations to the delivery of care include the introduction of the clinical nurse leader role to provide leadership at the point of care, where it is needed most. Clinical nurse leaders have demonstrated their ability to address needed changes and implement improvements in processes that impact the efficiency and quality of patient care across the continuum and in a variety of settings, including critical care. This article describes the role of the certified clinical nurse leader, their education and skill set, and outlines outcomes that have been realized by their efforts. Specific examples of how clinical nurse leaders impact critical care nursing are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Kristine M. L'Ecuyer, PhD, RN, CNL, is an associate professor and CNL program coordinator at Saint Louis University School of Nursing, chair, CNC Board of Commissioners. Bobbi J. Shatto, PhD, RN, CNL, is an assistant professor at Saint Louis University School of Nursing, CNC marketing committee. Rosemary L. Hoffmann, PhD, RN, CNL, is an associate professor and CNL program coordinator at University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, past chair, CNC Board of Commissioners. Matthew L. Crecelius, MSN, RN, CNL, is an accelerated MSN, CNL graduate at Saint Louis University School of Nursing.
authors.forename: Kristine M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: L'Ecuyer
authors.forename: Bobbi J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Shatto
authors.forename: Rosemary L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.forename: Matthew L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Crecelius
mesh_terms: D002568:Certification; D003422:Critical Care; D064648:Critical Care Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009726:Nurses