News Release
CHP program prepares nurses for unique leadership positions
A new career choice for nurses has arrived! The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) along with a wide range of health care experts has developed a position that allows Clinical nurses to extend their professional abilities into the leadership arena while maintaining their point-of-care responsibilities.
The (Clinical Nurse Leader) CNL position was created to address the growing need for clinical nurse leaders who understand the complexity of healthcare delivery systems, the importance of evidence-based practices and outcomes of care at the point of service.
To qualify for the position, individuals must have a bachelor's degree in Nursing and successfully complete seven semesters of the CNL master's degree program offered at UDM's College of Health Professions (CHP).
The curriculum combines courses from two McAuley School of Nursing master's degree programs: Nurse Practitioner and Health System Management. The University and health system must also create a partnership to ensure that nurses are able to practice the CNL role upon graduation. The program was launched earlier this year through Trinity Health with a class of 17 nurses from Saint Mary's Health Care in Grand Rapids.
"The CNL will have the advanced clinical knowledge found in our nurse practitioner core combined with the systems and leadership knowledge from our health systems management core," says Tricia Thomas, assistant professor and coordinator, Clinical Nurse Leader program.
According to Thomas, the AACN created a role that will attract and retain high quality nursesâ€" a move she applauds as the health system attempts to resolve the critical nursing shortage.
Release date: June 08, 2008
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