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- 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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Nurses Are: Catalysts | Rachell Dumas
Nurse informaticist and health tech founder Rachell Dumas is empowering patients within the healthcare system. In this episode, she shares how nurses are uniquely positioned to recognize where care breaks down—and how she designed HEARD to give patients the language, tools, and confidence to advocate for themselves in real time. Listen as Rachell reframes nurses as catalysts for meaningful system-level change. -
Nurses Are: Advocates | Heather Bartlett
As a teen, Heather Bartlett lost her father suddenly—and an emergency department nurse became her anchor in the hardest moment of her life. Today, Heather is the nurse making that difference for others. In this episode, she reflects on what it truly means to see patients, hear what they’re not saying, and show up as an advocate when it matters most. Listen to a powerful reminder of the role nurses play in life’s most vulnerable moments. -
Nurses Are: Leaders | Ama Mathewos
After nearly two decades in nursing—including leading her team through COVID‑19 to Magnet designation—Ama Mathewos knows what it takes to lead when it’s hardest. Ama reflects on emotionally intelligent leadership, self‑recognition, and why seeing yourself clearly as a nurse may be one of the most powerful tools in healthcare. Listen in to learn why supporting nurse leaders isn’t optional—it’s essential.
