The Clinical Nurse Leader Role

Learn about the relatively new role of Clinical Nurse Leader from a passionate and seasoned CNL.

by Kathy Oliphant, MSN, RN, CNL, NEA-BC

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is a relatively new nursing role, having been developed in 2004 by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in response to the Institute of Medicine’s quality and safety reports. A Master’s level CNL program was developed to prepare nurses with the skills needed to successfully lead in the current healthcare environment while ensuring safe care is provided using evidence-based best practices for optimal quality outcomes. In addition to graduation from an accredited CNL program, there is a national certification exam that graduates must pass to use the title of Clinical Nurse Leader.

The overall goal of the CNL role is to improve patient outcomes. This is attained by constantly evaluating strategies to improve the triple aim of achieving better quality outcomes, providing an enhanced patient experience, and examining ways to improve efficiencies associated with the cost of care. In this role, CNLs evaluate quality at the point of care and integrate evidence into practice while focusing on a specific cohort of patients with complex needs. They monitor data to analyze trends and develop action plans to improve patient outcomes. CNLs facilitate communication with interdisciplinary teams and collaborate to implement and sustain practice changes.

In our current healthcare environment, we are challenged to provide continuity of care amid increasing complexity and pressure for improved safety and quality. The CNL assists with transitioning patients through a seamless system where caregivers feel responsible for patients throughout the entire care continuum, which includes decreasing potential gaps in care between physician office appointments, emergency department visits, hospital stays, home care visits, and other skilled care environments such as rehabilitation and long term care facilities.

Clinical Nurse Leader accomplishments at many organizations include improving quality measures, decreasing the average hospital length of stay, improving patient education, decreasing readmission rates, and increasing patient satisfaction scores. It takes all healthcare disciplines working together to achieve these wonderful results.

Observing CNL colleagues embrace this innovative nursing role, I am reminded of a favorite quote from Mother Teresa: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” It is inspirational to work with dedicated nurses and witness their deep commitment to providing the best patient care.


For the past five years, Kathy Oliphant worked at TriHealth in Cincinnati, Ohio, and most recently was the Director of Inpatient Care Coordination. She was responsible for the implementation of the Clinical Nurse Leader program on 19 nursing units at two system hospitals. Kathy is a seasoned nursing executive with a track record of significant achievement in both acute care hospital and integrated delivery settings. Kathy’s career at Cleveland Clinic spanned 25 years with a clinical focus in nephrology nursing, including dialysis and kidney transplant populations, and leadership roles in a variety of settings. Her expertise includes creating a positive practice environment with an emphasis on high quality care and patient safety, as evidenced by successful Magnet hospital designation, staff recruitment and retention, and improved patient experience. She is extremely passionate about the role of the CNL with improving patient outcomes.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

5 Helpful Tips For Dealing With Difficult Patients

Every nurse encounters a number of patients who are difficult to work with; here are five tips on how to deal with them.

from Scrubs

Nursing is a profession of caring and dedication. Most nurses are devoted to their patients. Communication is everything when it comes to establishing a comforting and healthy nurse–patient relationship. Taking care of patients and changing their lives for the better can leave a special mark on the life of a nurse. However, every nurse encounters a number of patients who are difficult to work with. These patients are likely afraid and need the best care there is to offer, despite these difficulties. We have provided five helpful tips to make dealing with difficult patients as easy as possible.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Here’s A Growing Job That Earns More Than $100K: The Nurse Technologist

Slowly but surely, technology is invading every workplace in America. Now it’s nursing’s turn.

from Forbes

Demand is growing rapidly for nurse informaticists, a role that combines traditional nursing with expertise in systems, analysis and design and has an average salary of more than $100,000. The explosion of tech in healthcare has spawned this surge in demand.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Critical Thinking: A Vital Trait for Nurses

A look at how well-developed critical thinking skills in nurses can positively impact patient outcomes, as well as their colleagues.

by Srinidhi Lakhanigam, BSN, RN, CCRN, CMSRN

One of the most commonly heard phrases, right from day one of nursing school, is “critical thinking”. The common consensus is that everyone has to develop sound critical thinking to be a safe and effective Registered Nurse (RN). This necessity is magnified when it comes to critical care areas, where one decision by the RN can drastically change the patient’s outcome. Nursing has changed from a simple, caregiving job to a complex and highly responsible profession. Hence the role of nurses has changed from being task-oriented to a team-based, patient-centered approach with an emphasis on positive outcomes. A strong critical thinking ability results in the greatest impact on patient outcomes.

So, what is critical thinking and how do we develop this? A precise definition of critical thinking was proposed in a statement by Michael Scriven and Richard Paul, at the 8th Annual International Conference on Critical Thinking and Education Reform, Summer 1987. “Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and fairness,3” reads the document.

Simply put, critical thinking in nursing is a purposeful, logical process, which results in powerful patient outcomes. It involves interpretation and analysis of the problem, reasoning to find a solution, applying, and finally, evaluation of the outcomes2. It can be said that critical thinking is the result of a combination of innate curiosity, strong foundation of theoretical knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, disease processes, normal and abnormal lab values, and an orientation for thinking on the feet. Combining this with a strong passion for patient care will produce positive patient outcomes. The critical thinking nurse has an open mind, and draws heavily upon evidence based research and past clinical experiences to solve patient problems.

How does one develop critical thinking skills? A good start is to develop an inquisitive mind, which leads to questioning and a quest for knowledge and understanding of the complex nature of the human body and its functioning. Learning from those with a strong base of practical experience in the form of preceptors/colleagues helps develop critical thinking ability in a new nurse. An open minded nurse can learn valuable lessons from the critical thinking ability of others and will be able to practice for the good of the patients2.

Critical thinking is self guided and self disciplined. Nursing interventions can be reasonably explained through evidence based research studies, and work experience. A strong sense of focus and discipline is also important for critical thinking to work. If thinking is unchecked, nurses can easily be misguided and deliver flawed patient care. It is possible to ensure discipline with a constant acquiring of knowledge through continuing education and looking critically into situations, considering their background, and making an assessment, before making recommendations1.

Last, but not least, a constant comparison of practice with best practices in the industry will help guide a nurse to think critically and improve care. This makes it easier to form habits which continue to have a positive impact on patients and colleagues. Every decision a critical thinking nurse makes affects not only the patient, but also their families, coworkers, and self.


References:

  1. Elder, L. (2007). Defining critical thinking. Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/766
  2. Romeo, E. (2010). Quantitative research on critical thinking and predicting nursing students’ nclex-rn performance. Journal of Nursing Education,49(7), 378-386.
  3. Scriven, M., & Paul, R. (n.d.). Defining Critical Thinking. In The Critical Thinking Community. Retrieved June 7, 2017, from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/766

Srinidhi Lakhanigam, BSN, RN, CCRN, CMSRN is a member of the NeuroScience ICU at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, CA.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Nurses: What Tips & Tricks Do You Have to Share?

Whether you’re a new grad or about to retire, we’re willing to bet you have tips and tricks to share with your fellow nurses, and we want to hear them.

To be a nurse is to be a perpetual student—constantly learning and adapting to an ever-changing profession.

No matter if you are a new grad, or on the verge of retirement, there are always tips and tricks to take note of, or—better yet—impart to others. Be it sage wisdom (“Never be afraid to speak up for your patient.”), more practical tips (“Shaving cream on the outside of your mask helps with gross smells.”), or even what you might think should be common sense (“Always pee when you have the chance.”), we want to hear it.

So, we’re asking you: what advice would you like to share with your fellow nurses? Submit it below and we’ll be sure to pass it along.

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Thriving as a Nurse in Underserved Communities

What’s it like working as a nurse in an underserved community? What skills and qualities should nurses have in order to succeed in this area?

from FierceHealthcare

Many rural and urban communities face a shortage of qualified health professionals to meet the population’s needs. These underserved communities face unique challenges and nurses working in these areas need unique skills to meet those challenges.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Compassion Fatigue and Nursing

Compassion fatigue can be defined as the “loss of the ability to nurture.” Could you be experiencing this?

from Mighty Nurse

What happens when caring for the sick and dying or repeatedly witnessing trauma leads to compassion fatigue? Compassion fatigue, first described over twenty years ago in text by a nurse, can be defined as the “loss of the ability to nurture.” It is considered a “cost of caring.” While the symptoms are similar to those of burnout, the cause and onset are different. Burn out is a result of job related dissatisfaction while compassion fatigue is more directly patient related. Burn out occurs gradually over time while compassion fatigue can be more acute in its onset. Could you be experiencing compassion fatigue?

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

12 Foot Care Tricks for Nurses with Tired Feet

93% of nurses suffer from swollen and painful feet after their shift. Here are some ways to lessen that pain.

from Massage Boss

According to a survey conducted by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, nearly all nurses (93%) suffer from swollen and painful feet after their shift. If left untreated, foot pain can negatively impact your job satisfaction, efficiency, and long-term health. Because of this, it’s essential for every nurse to do their best to take care of their feet. Learn how to put your best foot forward with these helpful foot care tips.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Sleep Tips for the Tired Nurse

It’s Sleep Awareness Week, and if you’re a nurse, you’re probably well aware of how tired you are. Here’s some tips on how to get a better night’s sleep.

by Kathleen Caulfield, RN

Sleep, sleep, sleep—for many of us it’s hard to get there and even harder to stay there. It especially seems a problem for stressed out nurses, with their chaotic routines and many demands. But the insomnia can be cured with a few tweaks, and given that it’s Sleep Awareness Week, I wanted to share some tips for how busy nurses can get a better night’s rest:

  • No use of electronic devices 1-2 hours before bed. Shut off TVs, cell phones – no texting. Or, better yet, remove them from the bedroom entirely.
  • Plan your day the night before. Llay out your clothes, jot down work activities or tasks for the next day. This can allay some anxiety.
  • Take a warm bath with lavender Epsom salts.
  • Stop caffeine early in the day and limit alcohol 3 hours before bed.
  • Exercise is key to sleep; do it early in the day for a restful night.
  • Respect the sleep process. Use nightclothes that are clean and comfortable.
  • Prep your bedroom. Keep it clutter-free, and get comfortable pillows that support your neck, linens that are soft to the touch.
  • Use room darkening drapes.
  • Keep the bedroom cool: 68 degrees is a good setting.
  • Have a light dinner and if hungry prior to bed, eat foods high in tryptophan, such as nut butters, bananas, yogurt, tuna, dates.
  • Warm milk is excellent, but not palatable for some. Try it with a teaspoon of real vanilla and a package of natural sweetener to improve taste.
  • Passion, valerian, or chamomile tea one hour before bedtime is also known to be effective for promoting relaxation.
  • Incorporate yoga into your nightly routine, including child’s pose, legs up against the wall, or corpse pose to assist with relaxation.
  • Journal and reread your entry to give closure to the day.
  • Use progressive relaxation techniques.
  • Lavender in any form – candles, spray for pillowcases or sheets, or in a diffuser.
  • Keep a sleep diary.

By evaluating these components with a sleep diary, often the culprit causing sleep problems and deprivation will be caught, and insomnia will no longer reign.


Kathleen Caulfield is a Registered Nurse who has worked in all facets of nursing, with her most recent gig as a psych nurse in New York City. Currently residing in Florida while seeking employment, she is sharing her passion for writing with us at HealthJobsNationwide.com.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Using Social Media in Nursing

Nurses are tapping the vein of social media for networking, gathering and sharing knowledge, and more.

from AJC

Amid the digital blast of the information age, the use of social media continues to be a preferred form of communication and information for many, both professionally and personally. Nurses are no exception, often tapping the vein of social media from networking to gathering and sharing knowledge.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.