Clinical Nurse Leader Specialization

I. Contact Information

Stephanie DeBoor
(775) 682-7156
deboors2@unr.edu

II. Brief Introduction

The MSN program at the University of Nevada, Reno is designed to prepare graduates in the emerging role of the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). In response to healthcare and consumer needs, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing proposed the advanced nursing practice role of the CNL in order to prepare effective leaders to work within all healthcare settings. A beginning CNL graduate would encompass the roles of clinician, outcomes manager, client advocate, educator, information manager, systems analyst, risk anticipator, team manager, member of a profession, and life-long learner (AACN, 2007). After successful completion of the Orvis School of Nursing MSN degree requirements (including a total of 420 clinical hrs; a minimum of 300 hrs in a supervised CNL role immersion practicum with an academic/practice partner), the CNL track graduate would meet the educational requirement to sit for the AACN CNL Certification Examination.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

1. Integrate scientific findings from nursing, biopsychosocial fields, genetics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences for the continual improvement of nursing care across diverse settings.
2. Provide advanced, ethical, evidence-based nursing services for multi-cultural and ethnic individuals, families, aggregates, and select p
3. Apply patient-care and communication technologies to deliver, enhance, integrate, and coordinate care.
4. Collaborate with other professionals and members of the community to provide optimal coordinated health care to individuals, families, special populations, and communities with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.
5. Respect diversity to address complex health care needs of persons, including the un-served and under-served, populations and communities, in the role of nurse leader, educator, and/or advanced practice nurse.
6. Participate in the organization, management, and policy negotiations of health care delivery systems to use ethical principles and advocacy strategies to influence health and healthcare.
7. Participate in the application of safe patient care and quality health care practices.
8. Participate in the development of nursing as a science, through the use of theory,  research, and scientific processes, while acquiring a foundation for doctoral study.

IV. Admission Requirements

This is a two-step process, wherein the applicant must first meet the university’s Graduate School requirements as well as the Orvis School of Nursing MSN requirements. Admission for the Nurse Educator and Clinical Nurse Leader occurs twice a year (Fall & Spring).  Deadlines for Fall admission is March 1st and October 1st for Spring admission. Both schools must receive all application materials before or on the deadline dates.

• Have an overall undergraduate grade-point average of at least a 3.0
• Complete a baccalaureate degree with an upper-division major in nursing from and NLNAC-or CCNE accredited nursing school.
• Have verification of current licensure to practice as a registered nurse in the United States. Students must be eligible to practice as a registered nurse in Nevada.
• Successful completion of a three credit graduate level applied statistics course (at UNR - EDRS 640).
• A resume that includes educational, professional and community service experience.
• A letter of intent should be single spaced, 12 point font, and no longer than 1,000 words.
• Provide three letters of reference to the graduate program director using the form on the OSN website.
• Submit scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). (Optional, required for those students applying for the MSN/MPH program of study).

An interview may be required.

The total of required units for completing the degree varies according to the option the student selects. The minimum number of required units for completion of the MSN is 35. With graduate advisor approval, MSN students may apply more than 3 S/U units to the 35 units required.

Applicants who plan to apply graduate-level credit earned at another university to the University of Nevada, Reno may be able to satisfy specific course requirements in the nursing program. Applicants must provide specific course information for review to determine if the transferred courses are equivalent to university requirements. If approved, such courses may be included in the official program of study.

V. Program Requirements

• NURS 735 - Intro to Knowledge Development and Scientific Inquiry (3 units)
• NURS 736 - Health Care Policy and Social Justice (3 units)
• NURS 737 - Populations and Aggregate Health Issues (3 units)
• NURS 717 - Advanced Pathophysiology (3 units)
• NURS 746 - Evidence-Based Practice & Management of Clinical Outcomes (3 units)
• NURS 744 - Leadership Development and Care Management (1 unit)
• NURS 747 - Care Management in a Health Care Micro-System (2 S/U only units)

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• NURS 748 - Health Informatics (3 units) OR
• CHS 753 - Health Informatics (3 units)

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• NURS 750 - Advanced Health Assessment (3 units)
• NURS 759 - Planning Strategies for Care of Specialized Populations (2 units)
• NURS 760 - Advanced Nursing Care for Specialized Populations Practicum (4 S/U only units)
• NURS 795 - Comprehensive Examination (1 unit)

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• NURS 797 - Thesis (1 to 6 units) (Thesis Option) OR
• NURS 798 - Research Project (1 to 3 units)

VI. Total Units (35-37 units)