Clinical Nurse Leader Track
The Clinical Nurse Leader track at the University of Florida is a 2-year, part-time graduate degree. CNL education builds upon nursing knowledge and skills acquired in a baccalaureate nursing program. The CNL curriculum develops a solid foundation in policy/organization, clinical outcomes management, nursing leadership and management of the care environment.
CNL courses include ten major curriculum threads. These are:
- Critical thinking and decision making
- Communication
- Ethics
- Human diversity/cultural competence
- Global health care
- Professional development in the CNL role
- Accountability
- Assessment
- Nursing technology and resource management
- Professional values, including social justice
The UF College of Nursing CNL master's track is part-time to accomodate the busy lives of students. Most classes are available through Web-based and distance learning, and live classes are limited to no more than one day per week. These classes are available to students on both the Gainesville and Jacksonville campuses.
The course of study culminates in an intensive residency based in model units at each of the College’s practice partner sites. These units provide a new form of client care, one in which the CNL role is pivotal. Students will have both faculty members and clinical mentors to guide them through the residency. The residency consists of a twelve-week, full-time practice in the CNL role. The experience includes weekly opportunities for dialogue with other CNL students, faculty members and clinical mentors.
After successful completion of all CNL track requirements, the CNL graduate will be eligible to sit for the CNL national certification examination, currently in development. It is anticipated that CNLs will be employed in leadership roles in a wide variety of health care settings. Future plans for the CNL include creating a new legal scope of practice and professional license for which AACN will assume leadership and engage appropriate stakeholders.
For more information, please contact us.
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