Clinical Nurse Leader Specialization, M.S.N.

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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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

create a systematic approach to clinical reasoning based on best evidence, research, and knowledge from nursing and other disciplines to make decisions which optimize the health of populations and the delivery of care across a range of sociocultural settings.
role model communication strategies and teamwork to intentionally collaborate with interprofessional teams, individuals, groups, and populations across a range of sociocultural settings to advocate for diverse, equitable, and inclusive care in professional environments.
assume leadership roles in the analysis, delivery and management of nursing practice and the micro through meso levels of health care systems.
evaluate quality improvement principles, standards, methods, and strategies to identify health and systems problems and translate evidence-based change in practice settings.
analyze systematic processes across settings using evidenced-based strategies and standards, to promote a just culture of safety, and to prevent or minimize risk to self, patients, and environment.
appraise health care technology, data, and information literacy, while considering risks and ethical requirements, to plan, implement, and evaluate person and population-centered care and assist in system-wide best practice decisions in a variety of settings.
integrate person and population centered care that is respectful of differing sociocultural needs based on best evidence, clinical judgment, and sound legal/ethical principles to maximize health for diverse individuals, groups and populations.
expand professional identity through leadership and advocacy that promotes the needs of self, individuals, groups and populations and the nursing profession while improving the healthcare system.

Contact Information

Stephanie S. DeBoor, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN
Associate Dean of Graduate Programs
Assistant Professor
University of Nevada, Reno
Orvis School of Nursing
1664 N. Virginia Street MS 0134
Reno, NV 89557
775 682-7156
deboors2@unr.edu

Admission Requirements

The applicant must 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, unencumbered 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.
Three letters of reference.

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.