CNL Job Duties

[Casey Price]

Hello Everyone! I have recently graduated with my CNL degree and have accepted the first CNL position within my hospital. I am looking for any guidance or resources you have on the responsibilities or job descriptions from your healthcare setting. They are currently having me cover two 40 bed units which I feel is a lot in order to make a significant impact. As we all know, there is a great deal of variation between the CNL job duties from hospital to hospital. If you could share some of your CNL duties I would greatly appreciate your assistance. Thanks again!

[vran...@gmail.com]

Hello Casey,

congratulations on graduating and being hired to serve as a CNL!! Please see attached for our CNL job description and role summary that I share with anyone who asks to help spread understanding of the CNL. I agree, a 40 bed assignment is a lot but my advice to you, having worked as a CNL with a 36 bed assignment, tease out the patients that need the most help. Think about who is at risk for poor outcomes and focus on them. Keep lots of notes and reflect as much as you can to ensure that you're getting the most bang for your time. Avoid becoming the "gopher" nurse to gain buy-in from the staff or they will only see you in that regard. Seek out a daily routine that allows you to assess major risk opportunities. For example: I made it my morning routine to assess for central lines, diabetics, VTE prophylaxis, foleys, and high fall risk patients. This took time though so initially, I focused on assessing patients with central lines and foleys first, slowly adding on more once I mastered this task efficiently, in between rounding with physicians, RN and other interdisciplinary teammates.

You honestly have to figure out what works for you and this can be uncomfortable at first. Allow yourself to make mistakes but always seek to improve your efficiency and build relationships in the process.

I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!
Veronica Rankin

[marybet...@gmail.com]

Yes, two 40 bed units is a lot.

Did you graduate from a post BSN or second degree program?

Find out what the executive goals are for the position. Perhaps they are focused on a specific outcome. If you are monitoring compliance on one outcome, you might be able to manage.

Once the first outcome is under control, perhaps you can start a micro system assessment and look for a gap to address. Then you can present an evidence informed solution to the executive team to implement.

An early adapter CNL said you create the position by doing the work

[Sharon Lovato]

Of the many responsibilities, I list my priorities and keep a log of all my projects and outcomes (data collection), this is important to describe what you are doing and describe the measurable outcomes to your supervisor.
Based on our last skin analysis, I am involved in Double checking ICU admission skin assessments. Sometimes another set of eyes can identify concerns, also this builds collaboration with the front line nurses. I try to get the nurse to contact me when there are admissions and we can do the inspections together.
Another thing for today is preparing reports for the Nurse Quality council of the hospital restraint report.
I am working on piloting a new discharge checklist for one MS unit.

Good luck! Being a CNL is great! Keep up the good work, maintain innovation and keep motivated.