Clinical Nurse Leader

Clinical Nurse Leader

Do you have what it takes to be a Clinical Nurse Leader at Walden Behavioral Care? Read on and find everything you need to know about being a Registered Nurse/Clinical Leader, or click through to the Walden Behavioral Care web site to learn more about our incredible team of healthcare professionals and why we believe we can help achieve lasting recovery for patients with eating disorders and psychiatric disorders.

A New Nursing Role: The Clinical Nurse Leader

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is a new nursing role developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in collaboration with leaders from the education and practice arenas. The first examinations for certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader took place in the spring of 2007.

AACN created the position of Clinical Nurse Leader to improve the quality of patient care and provide better preparation for nurses. The role of Clinical Nurse Leader is based on research and discussion by AACN and those in the healthcare field.

The Clinical Nurse Leader is a leader in the healthcare delivery system. The Clinical Nurse Leader oversees the coordination of care for a distinct group of patients and actively provides direct patient care in complex situations, according to AACN. The Clinical Nurse Leader also evaluates outcomes, assesses risk and has the authority to change care plans when necessary.

The Clinical Nurse Leader provides and manages care. The Clinical Nurse Leader designs, implements and evaluates care by coordinating, supervising and delegating to members of the healthcare team. The Clinical Nurse Leader puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in the delivery of care.

Unlike a Clinical Nurse Specialist, who specializes in one area of care, the Clinical Nurse Leader is a generalist.

Clinical Nurse Leader Job Summary at Walden Behavioral Care

At Walden Behavioral Care, the Clinical Nurse Leader supervises the delivery of nursing care provided by professional and support nursing staff on a designated unit. Ensure that care is provided in a manner consistent with the philosophy of Walden Behavioral Care and the ANA Standards of Practice for psychiatric mental health care. The Clinical Nurse Leader prescribes, coordinates and delegates care utilizing the nursing process which is integrated into the multidisciplinary treatment team plan of care. The Clinical Nurse Leader is accountable for nursing care activities on a shift basis and is responsible for promoting and enhancing professional nursing practice on the unit.

Clinical Nurse Leader Education, Experience and Knowledge Requirements at Walden Behavioral Care

Candidates applying for the position of Clinical Nurse Leader should possess a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing and have significant clinical experience (3 years prior psychiatric background preferred). The Clinical Nurse Leader is a generalist who brings a high level of clinical competence and knowledge to the nursing team.

To perform as a Clinical Nurse Leader, a nurse must demonstrate competency in the criteria listed in the job description, and be licensed and registered by the Board of Nurse Examiners.

Are You Interested In A Career As A Clinical Nurse Leader?

At Walden, we believe we can help achieve lasting recovery for patients with eating disorders and psychiatric disorders- but only if we have the right people working with us. Successful Clinical Nurse Leader candidates must be experienced, patient-focused and demonstrate a willingness to contribute to a team approach. If you are ready to meet such challenges with a positive, can-do attitude, we'd like to hear from you.

To apply for the position of Clinical Nurse Leader, please email your resume and cover letter to Jean Wood at jwood@waldenbehavioralcare.com or contact by phone at 781-647-6711.

Walden Behavioral Care provides a complete "continuum of care" for treating patients with eating disorders and psychiatric disorders, while also integrating medical, behavioral and nutritional care. This whole-health approach helps achieve lasting results for those who seek a meaningful recovery.