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Contact us at cnl@aacnnursing.org.

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

The Clinical Nurse LeaderSM or CNL® is a master’s educated nurse, prepared for practice across the continuum of care within any healthcare setting. The CNL was developed by AACN in collaboration with leaders from healthcare practice and education to address the critical need to improve the quality of patient care outcomes.

The CNL is a clinical leader - at the point of care – who focuses on:

  • Care Coordination
  • Outcomes Measurement
  • Transitions of Care
  • Interprofessional Communication & Team Leadership
  • Risk Assessment
  • Implementation of Best Practices Based on Evidence
  • Quality Improvement

Learn more about the CNL 

View CNL FAQs

 

Earn Continuing Education Credit with AACN's CNL Certification Exam Review Modules

The modules are designed for:

  • Individuals seeking to prepare for the CNL Certification Examination
  • Practicing CNLs renewing certification through continuing education units (CEUs)
  • Nursing students and professionals seeking continuing professional development opportunities

The CNL Certification Exam Review Course features 17 chapters across 6 separate modules. By completing all 6 modules, you are eligible to receive 18 continuing education credits.

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News & Announcements

  • Call for Applications - CNL Educator Award

    September 20, 2022

    This national award recognizes a CNL faculty member or education program director for innovative and outstanding preparation and advocacy of CNLs. In addition, the award promotes the contributions of the CNL faculty member in transforming nursing education and promoting innovation in both academia and practice. The 2023 recipient will be recognized during the opening session of the CNL Summit, which will be held in Orlando, FL, February 23-25, 2023.

  • Call for Applications - CNL Vanguard Award

    September 20, 2022

    This national award recognizes a certified CNL for innovative and outstanding professional performance and advocacy of the CNL skill set. In addition, the award promotes the contributions of the CNL in transforming health care. The 2023 recipient will be recognized during the opening session of the CNL Summit, which will be held in Orlando, FL, February 23-25, 2023.

  • CNL Job Analysis Survey

    July 29, 2022

    CNC along with Prometric SMT and members of the CNL Job Analysis Committee have finalized the survey instrument that will determine the skills and abilities required to perform the job of the Clinical Nurse Leader. Click here to access the CNL Job Analysis Survey! We ask all CNLs to complete the survey to assist CNC in developing the content outline for the new CNL exam that will be administered during Spring 2023 testing period. 

  • 2023 CNL Research Symposium and CNL Summit

    July 15, 2022

    Next year's CNL Research Symposium and CNL Summit will take place February 23-25 at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Florida. We are looking forward to welcoming you back to our live program next year. Take advantage of the early registration rate and register today! Continuing education hours will be awarded to all attendees. 

  • Exam Registration Deadline

    July 10, 2022

    Registration is now open for the Fall 2022, Winter 2023, and Spring 2023 testing cycles! October 24, 2022 is the registration deadline for the Fall 2022 CNL exam testing period (November 21 - December 2, 2022). Don't delay...Register, pay for the exam and submit your documentation form today! 

  • CNL Certification Renewal Deadline

    July 5, 2022

    December 31st is the renewal application deadline for CNLs with the certification expiration date of December 31, 2022! Renewal requires current RN license, employment history of 2,000 hours within the 5-year certification period, and 50 contact hours within the 5-year certification period. Don't delay...Renew your CNL today! 

Quick Links

Value of the CNL

Congratulations to the 2022 CNL Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Marge Wiggins

Marjorie Wiggins, DNP, MBA, RN
Chief Nursing Officer
Maine Health System

Congratulations to the 2022 CNL Vanguard Award Winners

photo of Lauren Salinas

Lauren Salinas, MSN, RN, CNL, CCRN
Clinical Specialist
Texas Children's Hospital - Houston

photo of soroyah Bourenane

Sorayah Bourenane, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL
Clinical Nurse Leader
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Learn more about the CNL Vanguard Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2022 CNL Innovation in Practice Award Winners

Photo of Anita Catlin

Anita Catlin, PhD, FNP, CNL, FAAN
Manager of Nursing Research
Kaiser Permanente - Vallejo
 

photo of brianna bagalio

Brianna Bagalio, MSN, RN, CNL, CCRN
Clinical Nurse Leader
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
 

photo of kimberly hill

Kimberly Hill, MSN, RN, CNL, CCRN
Clinical Nurse Leader
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Learn more about the CNL Innovation in Practice Award Winners 

Login to the CNC Web Portal!

To access the CNC web portal, click the button below.

MyCNC Portal

Clinical Nurse Leaders Class of 2019 Academy Fellows

Join the Commission on Nurse Certification in congratulating three certified Clinical Nurse Leaders recognized as 2019 New Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing:        

              

Annette Bourgault, PhD, RN, CNL
Assistant Professor, University of Central Florida College of Nursing
Nurse Scientist, Orlando Health               


Lauran J. Hardin, MSN, RN-BC, CNL, FNAP
Senior Advisor, Camden Coalition National Center for Complex and Social Needs, American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner     

Meg Zomorodi, PhD, RN, CNL 
Assistant Provost, Director for the Office of Interprofessional Education and Practice, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill