- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Clinical nurse leader
Clinical nurse leader
A clinical nurse leader creates and coordinates long-term care plans for patients and the medical teams they work with.
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Required education
MSN
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Managerial
Oversee other nurses and help improve healthcare for all.
Research-oriented
Analyze data and discover new ways to help patients.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
What is the role of a clinical nurse leader?
You’ll focus on improving the quality of patient care by evaluating results and finding ways to introduce the most effective new treatments.
What you’ll do as a clinical nurse leader
Evaluation
You’ll determine the relevance of the latest medical and technological developments.
Management
You’ll oversee and coordinate a patient’s medical team.
Treatment
You’ll prepare long-term care plans for patients.
Where you’ll work as a clinical nurse leader
Clinical nurse leaders work in a variety of settings, including:
- Medical colleges
- Private clinics
- Research facilities
How to become a clinical nurse leader
Get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
Get your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with advanced courses in Pathophysiology, Clinical Assessment and Pharmacology.
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) offers advanced courses that will help you develop new skills and move into specialized roles.
Get your Clinical Nurse Leadership Certification from the Commission on Nurse Certifications.
You’re ready to work as a clinical nurse leader!
Clinical nurse leader career resources
Become a member of a clinical nurse leader organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Clinical Nurse Leader Association
Clinical Nurse Leader Association
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Stories about nurse leading innovation
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May 2026 issue: Spotlighting nurse impact during National Nurses Month
In the May issue of Notes on Nursing, we’re celebrating National Nurses Month by honoring the many ways nurses show up, lead, and shape the future of care. From bold innovations and new ideas to the everyday impact at the bedside and beyond, this issue spotlights the voices, stories, and solutions driving meaningful change across healthcare. Plus, applications for a new NurseHack4Health Pitch-A-Thon, now open! -
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The nursing profession is at a crossroads, facing a projected shortage of over 100,000 registered nurses, rising burnout, and the rapid integration of AI into clinical care. In this episode of SEE YOU NOW, the co-chairs behind the newly revised ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses join nurses from the frontlines to explore how the profession’s ethical compass is being reimagined for a more complex, demanding world. -
AI in play
The “AI in Play” series from Johnson & Johnson’s SEE YOU NOW podcast explores how artificial intelligence is being applied in healthcare to support clinicians—especially nurses—and improve patient care. Through conversations with healthcare leaders, technologists, and frontline providers, the series highlights real-world examples of AI tools that streamline administrative work, enhance clinical decision-making, and expand access to care. A key theme throughout the episodes is that AI should augment human expertise rather than replace it, enabling care teams to spend less time on routine tasks and more time focusing on meaningful patient interactions. Listen to all the episodes below.