Nursing: Clinical Nurse Leader (D.N.P.)

The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Clinical Nurse Leader Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP CNL) program prepares nurses for the highest level of specialized nursing practice. Students are prepared for innovative leadership where they will translate evidence into practice, improve systems of care and measure health outcomes in diverse settings. Students are required to plan, implement, and evaluate a quality improvement project customized to support their unique aspirations.

This Bachelor of Science in Nursing to DNP Clinical Nurse Leader program is for nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing who are seeking leadership development and certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader with a doctoral degree.

Graduates are uniquely qualified to collaborate with leaders in healthcare to improve the quality of care. Graduates attain eligibility for CNL certification through the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Clinical Nurse Leader certification examination.

Admission Requirements

Registered nurses (RNs) who have successfully passed the NCLEX­-RN, currently hold an unencumbered, active RN license in the United States, and who hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing can be considered for admission. Applicants are required to have a good academic record and completion of coursework in statistics and research.  The following is required:

1. Unencumbered, active RN license in the United States
2. Baccalaureate degree in nursing
3. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in associate and baccalaureate programs
4. Nursing experience is preferred but not required for Clinical Nurse Leader and Evidence-Based Practice tracks
5. 3 letters of recommendation

   Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted. Professional references should be substantial, and one academic recommendation is recommended.

6.  Personal Statement. Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:
   1. Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
   2. Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Degree Requirements

Clinical Hours: 500*

*

CNL Clinical hours are completed through the following required courses: NURS 926, NURS 927, NURS 928.

DNP scholarly project practicum hours (500) are completed through the following required courses: NURS 980, NURS 981 and NURS 982.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice Clinical Nurse Leader student builds upon the skills of the baccalaureate prepared generalist nurse.

• Integrate, translate, and apply knowledge from nursing and other disciplines, to formulate clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice as well as synthesize comprehensive knowledge of advanced nursing practice, integrating scientific principles and clinical expertise to enhance patient outcomes.
• Design person-centered care that builds on a scientific body of knowledge focusing on individuals with multiple\\ncomplicated circumstances, including family and/or important others as well as critically analyze the effectiveness of person-centered care on patient outcomes, healthcare systems, and policy development through rigorous assessment and continuous quality improvement processes.\\n
• Advocate for healthcare delivery from public health prevention to disease management through collaborative activities for equitable population health outcomes as well as formulate and evaluate strategies to improve health outcomes for diverse populations, addressing social determinants of health and reducing health disparities.\\n
• Disseminate nursing knowledge to improve health care as well as critically evaluate current research and evidence-based practices in nursing, identifying areas for improvement and innovation.
• Integrate established and emerging principles of safety as core nursing values to enhance quality and minimize harm to patients and providers as well as implement and evaluate quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and care outcomes, utilizing evidence-based practices to minimize risks and optimize healthcare delivery.
• Lead collaborative care teams to optimize patient outcomes and improve health care experiences as well as facilitate and evaluate effective collaboration with interprofessional teams to improve patient and population health outcomes, fostering a culture of teamwork and communication.
• Coordinate resources for diverse populations to provide safe, quality, and equitable care as well as analyze and influence healthcare systems to optimize care delivery, advocating for policies and practices that enhance system efficiency and patient outcomes.
• Utilize informatics and communication technologies in developing and delivering optimal healthcare services according to best practice and professional and regulatory\\nstandards as well as integrate and evaluate informatics and healthcare technologies to improve patient care, utilizing data analytics to inform clinical decision-making and enhance health outcomes.
• Cultivate a sustainable professional nursing identity that reflects nursing’s characteristics and values as well as exemplify professionalism in all aspects of practice, demonstrating ethical behavior, accountability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Utilize leadership skills, change theories, and effective decision making in advanced nursing roles in the provision of care as well as engage in continuous personal and professional development, demonstrating leadership in clinical practice, education, and healthcare policy.

Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures

This is a non-licensure degree program. No additional license is required to practice in this field.

Visit the Office of the Registrar's website for more information about university programs that lead to professional licensure or certification eligibility.