Clinical Nurse Leader
The University of Rhode Island College of Nursing offers a Master of Science degree with an area of emphasis in the Clinical Nurse Leader role. In practice, the CNL oversees the care coordination of a distinct group of patients and actively provides direct patient care in complex situations. This master's degree-prepared clinician puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery. The CNL evaluates 
patient outcomes, assesses cohort risk, and has the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary. The CNL is a leader in the health care delivery system, and the implementation of this role will vary across settings (AACN, 2004). The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) curriculum was developed from the AACN national framework for CNL curricula, and therefore we anticipate that when a certification exam becomes available, URI CNL graduates will be able to sit for the exam.
Curriculum
The Clinical Nurse Leader curriculum consists of 41 credits: 14 credits of core courses in concepts and theories in nursing practice, research, nursing leadership in health policy and a graduate seminar; 12 credits specific to the Clinical Nurse Leader Role (theory and practicum); and 15 credits of electives to broaden the knowledge base for nursing practice. These include courses in the College of Nursing and in other colleges of the University. The program culminates with a written comprehensive examination and the submission of a substantial scholarly work involving significant independent study which is referred to as the major paper. This requirement is an extension of work completed from prior coursework in the master's program.
Required Nursing Core Courses (14 credits)
NUR 500 - Theoretical Study of the Phenomena in Nursing (4 credits)
NUR 505 - Nursing Research (3 credits)
NUR 507 - Theories of Practice for Nursing (3 credits)
NUR 510 - Advanced Leadership in the Health Policy Process (3 credits)
NUR 520 - Graduate Study Seminar (1 credit)
Required Courses for Clinical Nurse Leader (12 credits)
NUR 550 Role Development in Leadership for Clinical Practice (3 credits)
An in-depth study of concepts of leadership that are central to the practice of the CNL including: horizontal leadership, effective use of self, advocacy, lateral integration of care and role analysis and implementation.
NUR 552 Clinical Practicum II (6 credits)
An intensive clinical practicum focusing application of best practices, including policy development and risk anticipation for a selected group of hospitalized clients, as well as use of horizontal leadership skills with nurses and other health care professionals.
NUR 590 Clinical Practicum I (3 credits)
An intensive clinical practicum focusing on application of theoretical knowledge and skills for the development of nursing strategies for selected groups of hospitalized clients.
Electives (15 credits)
Electives provide foundational courses and those that support the student's career goals.
Suggested Electives
NUR 503 - Expanded Nursing Assessment Skills
NUR 535 - Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nurses
NUR 582 - Pharmacotherapeutics in Advanced Practice Nursing
PHP 540 - Principles, Methods and Application of Epidemiology
NUR 549 - Evidence-Based Strategies in Health Care Program Evaluation
Clinical Practice
Practicum placement is dependent upon student career goals, learning needs and level of prior experience.
Transportation
A car is necessary to reach the various clinical practice locations. A local bus service connects the University to most major health service facilities, shopping, and service centers, but the bus routes and schedules may not always be convenient for the graduate student.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to the Graduate School.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Two letters of recommendation (academic and professional).
- Curriculum vita.
- Completion of MAT or GRE with a satisfactory score.
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing or the National League for Nursing with an upper-division major in nursing.
- Eligibility for R.N. licensure in Rhode Island.
- Undergraduate statistics course prior to NUR 505.
- Registered nurses with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees will be evaluated on an individual basis. Completion or challenge of upper-division nursing courses is required prior to acceptance into the master's program.
graduate student links
graduate degree programs
- Administration
- Nursing Education
- Clinical Specialist in Psychiatric/ Mental Health (ON HOLD)
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
graduate student contacts
Bethany Fay
Graduate Studies Secretary
p. 401.874.5334
bfay@uri.edu
Mary Sullivan, Ph.D., RN
Director of Graduate Studies
p. 401.874.5339
mcsullivan@uri.edu
