Identify the educational preparation and role(s) of the clinical nurse leader (CNL) designation.

The clinical nurse leader's (CNL) educational preparation consists of a master's level and has competencies in specialized health system which prepares these leaders for direct clinical leadership at the point of care to ensure safe delivery of care, evidence-based care, and is based on providing optimal quality outcomes for the patients they serve (Reid, 2011).

The role of the CNL as a leader involves being an advocate for her team members, patients, and their families. It also includes being a member of a nursing organization. As a clinical care environment manager, it involves being a manager of the team and also an information manager along with a system analyst/risk anticipator. And as a clinical outcomes manager they are a clinician, educator, and outcomes manager. (Reid, 2011)

Give an example of how the CNL influences direct patient care whether in a hospital or out in the community.

The CNL influences direct patient care by "monitoring and managing patient outcomes and advances progress towards goals related to safety and quality" (Reid, 2011, para. 12).

Reference:

Reid, K. (2011). The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL): Point-of-Care Safety Clinician. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing,16(3).