From there, the paths diverge. In contrast, CNL certification is overseen by one governing body – the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and its Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC). Different states provide different levels of authorization to NPs depending on what certifications they hold, their area of specialization, and how many professional practice hours they have completed. As such, their day-to-day tasks include things like: A clinical nurse leader, by contrast, is going to spend more of their time looking at the bigger picture for several patients or nurses. Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about the difference between a nurse practitioner and a clinical nurse leader. The AACN specifies a range of competency areas for CNLs, stressing that the fundamental aspects of CNL practice include the following: CNL and NP programs may be assessed by and receive accreditation from one of two nationally recognized accreditation bodies: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The NP role has been a part of the nursing profession since 1965. Eligibility requirements for this certification include an active RN license and completion of a master's or post-master's degree program in nursing with a focus on the clinical nurse leader role. I have enjoyed being a nurse practitioner for over 22 years and it gives me great joy to support nurses on their career journey to become nurse practitioners. For example, a family nurse practitioner would likely take courses in childhood developmental, while a neonatal NP would learn about complications in pregnancy and infant care. Both options are available to RNs who have completed training for a Masters of Nursing Science (MSN) program or, for NPs, a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. A nurse practitioner will offer many of the same health care services that a physician could provide. Keep reading to find out. Nurse practitioners often work in a private practice with little or no supervision, which means that above all they must be meticulously organized and able to successfully work independently. Nowhere is that truer than in the roles of nurse practitioner and clinical nurse leader. FAQ: What Is an MSN in Health Systems Management? The biggest difference has to do with your particular ability to work independently. Answer: Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) are both formal designations for registered nurses (RNs) who have completed training associated with two distinct types of master of science in nursing (MSN) programs or, in the case of NPs, a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. FAQ: How Long Does it Take to Complete an MSN-to-DNP Program? Then, there are clinical nurse leaders (CNLs). There are five NP certification bodies, each of which offers certification exams in different NP specializations. A CNL who is also an advanced practice nurse practitioner (APRN) may have adequate credentials to prescribe medication to patients, depending on their scope and level of practice authority within their state. FAQ: How Long Does it Take to Complete a Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner (NP) Certificate Program Online? NPs can do many of the things physicians do, including prescribe medication, diagnose illnesses, provide treatment, and examine patients, which is why NPs have full practice authority in 20 states (meaning that they do not have to work under the supervision of a doctor). Celebrating Nurse Practitioners: Leaders in Clinical Practice Nov 8 2020 by Anne Dabrow Woods ... leaders in healthcare organizations, faculty, researchers, and advanced practice nurses, just to name a few of our many roles. FAQ: What Is the CNE Certification for Nurse Educators? The clinical nurse leader (CNL) is a newer nursing specialty that was first developed to prepare exceedingly skilled nurses who are focused on improving quality and safety outcomes for patient populations. Adult/gerontology and pediatric health are further broken down into acute care and primary care specializations. FAQ: What is a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Program? Answer: Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) are both formal designations for registered nurses (RNs) who have completed training associated with two distinct types of master of science in nursing (MSN) programs or, in the case of NPs, a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Nurse practitioners earn a median salary of $103,880 per year, with the highest earners bringing in $145,630. FAQ: What Are the Differences Between a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) and a Nurse Practitioner (NP)? FAQ: What Can You Do With an MSN in Nursing Administration? RNs who want to become NPs will go on to receive specialist training in one of many nurse practitioner specializations, while those training to become CNLs will receive clinical training and instruction in administrative aspects of nursing. A nurse practitioner (NP) is a highly versatile role with many opportunities for advancement–and NPs are quickly becoming the healthcare professional of choice, as 870 million Americans visit NPs every year for medical care. FAQ: What Are the Differences Between a Clinical Nurse Leader and Nurse Administrator? As such, they need a great attention to detail, excellent listening skills, and an ability to balance individual patient outcomes with the larger picture of the whole unit. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) lists a number of additional sub-specialty areas for NPs, as detailed in the list below: In contrast, the CNL role is a more recent innovation. Unlike NPs, CNLs do not specialize in a particular area of clinical practice. It is one of the four Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) designations, which also include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). Let’s take a closer look at the difference between the two. If you decide that becoming a CNL is right for you, we’re here to help with educational resources, tools to help you get your career started, and a job search tool so you can kick off your career. Certifications are offered separately by several professional organizations, including the ANCC and American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Keep in mind, however, that this is a comparatively new role, and that the exact duties of a CNL are still in flux more than an NP. The world is your oyster as a CNL if you’re ready to take on the responsibility. The NP curriculum, as outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), begins with a foundation in advanced physiology, health assessment, and pharmacology – three areas that are considered core training for APRNs. FAQ: What Are RN-to-BSN-to-MSN (Dual BSN/MSN) Programs? Most clinical nurse leader positions require a Clinical Nurse Leader Certification, offered by the American College of Colleges of Nursing's Commission on Nurse Certification. FAQ: Are There Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs that Waive or Do Not Require the GRE? Nurse Practicioner VS Nurse Leader: What’s the difference? The AACN’s consensus model for an MSN-NP curriculum covers competencies in nine areas: Students in MSN-NP programs choose an area of specialization in which to apply these core competencies as part of their didactic and clinical training. The CNL position was created by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in 2003 and instituted in 2007 in response to a need for RNs with training in two areas: general advanced clinical practice, and coordination of care. In addition, because CNLs are being asked to develop new health policies to improve patient outcomes, there is an expectation that their salaries will rise in accordance with their success. Because of their varying roles (which will consequently result in different working hours and work settings), the salaries for NPs and CNLs are different, though they are more comparable to each other than a registered nurse salary. Nurse practitioners typically work in medical settings that call on them to utilize their advanced training and ability to work without a doctor’s supervision. Even in states where NPs don’t have full practice authority, they still have greater authority and freedom to practice medicine than traditional registered nurses (RNs). As with all nurses, they also need to be able to interact well with patients, requiring great listening skills and empathy.