Master of Science in Nursing
Clinical Nurse Leader
What is the new Clinical Nurse Leader role?
The Clinical Nurse Leader track is an exciting opportunity for recent graduates and experienced BSN nurses to change the face of nursing and client care. The focus of the CNL role is promotion of the best possible client care in all settings. The CNL will oversee and direct client care. CNLs will collaborate with the client’s family members, will seek consultation with other members of the health care team and will serve as the client’s advocate in the health care system. The CNL will be a source of emotional support, empowerment, and knowledge for clients and their families. The CNL will be a resource to other nurses and health care providers. The CNL ensures high-quality, well-coordinated client care.
The UF College of Nursing is one of more than 90 schools nationwide selected to pilot the CNL track. The program is offered in cooperation with area practice partners: Shands at the University of Florida, Shands at AGH, Shands Jacksonville, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center (part of the North Florida/South Georgia VA Health System), Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville and Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville.
The health care environment that a client enters today is significantly different from that of ten years ago. Changes in the way health care is delivered have impacted not only the client, but also the nurse and other health care providers. Beginning in 2000, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) began a thorough study of education, regulation and practice issues, in consultation with its members, nursing practice leaders, regulators and health professionals, to assess the impact of these changes.
The study revealed the need for a new kind of nursing professional, a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), one who effectively coordinates, manages and evaluates care for individuals and groups of clients in complex health systems.
Important aspects of the CNL program:
- The CNL education program culminates in a master degree in nursing.
- The CNL graduate will be a generalist who practices with a high level of clinical competence at the point of care.
- The CNL graduate will be prepared for clinical leadership in settings throughout the healthcare delivery system.
Sample part-time curriculum plan
Application deadline for all MSN clinical tracks is March 15. (See below for more details)*
*Note: The March 15 deadline for the MSN program indicate the earliest date when the College will begin accepting students. After March 15, applications to the MSN program will be accepted until May 31st and students will be accepted on a space available basis.
For a list of Frequently Asked Questions compiled by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, click here
All general MSN program inquiries should be directed to
Cecile Kiley
Coordinator, Academic Support Services
UF College of Nursing
PO Box 100197
Gainesville, FL 32610-0197
(352) 273-6331
Specific questions about the CNL track should be directed to:
Jane Gannon
Clinical Assistant Professor
(904) 244-5166
jmgannon@ufl.edu