How to Become a Clinical Nurse Leader
Clinical nurse leaders work to prevent errors, facilitate hospital operations, and improve patient care and safety in their facilities. The steps to becoming a clinical nurse leader (CNL) include education, testing, and licensing, after which they can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a CNL, and where to start.
Become a Clinical Nurse Leader in 7 Steps
To become clinical nurse leaders, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). Then, they must pursue higher education and certification in a specialty.
1
Graduate With a BSN Degree
To become an RN, candidates must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. A BSN typically takes four years, but many programs offer accelerated options for those with prior degrees or completed prerequisites. While one can become an RN through an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, clinical nurse leader positions require higher degrees.
4
Work as a Registered Nurse
Before an RN can begin work as a CNL, they must first gain a few years of bedside clinical experience. Any field can provide helpful experience for a future career in clinical nurse leadership.
5
Earn Clinical Nurse Leader Certification
After some bedside experience, clinical nurse leaders may pursue specialty certification in their field through the Commission on Nurse Certification. While not required for work in this field, specialty certification can make candidates more desirable to potential employers.
7
Apply for Clinical Nurse Leader Nursing Jobs
After obtaining an advanced degree and gaining bedside experience, nurses can apply for clinical nurse leader positions.
Schooling Requirements for Clinical Nurse Leaders
Clinical nurse leaders must gain experience as RNs and then earn advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) gives future clinical nurse leaders a well-rounded education experience. Typically completed over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
A BSN prepares future CNLs to handle a high level of critical thinking. This degree teaches high-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, can be earned in two years, but many students continue to work throughout the program, which increases time to completion.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest level of education a nurse can achieve. This program takes longer than an MSN but may offer higher salaries and more opportunities.
Clinical Nurse Leader Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Clinical nurse leaders must apply for a registered nurse license to practice. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from one hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.
In most states, RNs must renew their license every two years after initial licensure. Each state has varying requirements for continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a wealth of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Clinical nurse leaders may choose to pursue CNL Certification through the Commission on Nurse Certification. Some clinical nurse leader positions may also require certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
Where Do Clinical Nurse Leaders Work?
Clinical nurse leaders can find employment in a wide range of organizations. These may include:
- Hospices
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Outpatient clinics
- Private medical offices
- Rehabilitation facilities
FAQs: How to Become a Clinical Nurse Leader
1. What education is needed to become a clinical nurse leader?
Clinical nurse leaders must graduate with a nursing degree from an accredited college or university with a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After obtaining a BSN, aspiring clinical nurse leaders must pursue higher education and obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
2. How many years does it take to become a clinical nurse leader?
The time it takes to become a CNL depends on which degree one pursues, but may take anywhere from two to four years for an undergraduate degree, plus bedside experience and an advanced degree.
3. What are the steps to become a clinical nurse leader?
To become a clinical nurse leader, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school with a BSN degree, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they will need to pursue specialty certification (if desired) and higher education. After obtaining an advanced degree, they can apply for clinical nurse leader positions.
4. How much do clinical nurse leaders make an hour?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), clinical nurse leaders earn an average of $64.63 per hour, which equals about $134,440 annually. Nurses with specialty certification may be able to earn more, depending on the employer.
