RN to MSN, Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Track

Why SHU?
The RN to MSN program is designed for registered nurses who currently hold a Diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing to enter an accelerated path to the Master of Science Degree in Clinical Nurse Leader. Building on its successes and the reputation of the FNP and PCSA MSN programs, Sacred Heart is one of first Universities in Connecticut to embrace the new role of the Clinical Nurse Leader and to develop a graduate program to prepare CNLs.  Proudly, SHU graduated the first CNL in Connecticut in 2007.  In concert with national recommendations the CNL track was started in partnership with Hartford Hospital, a preeminent, large teaching hospital and health system.  This degree can be attained exclusively online with the exception of the role immersion experiences.  Students desiring face to face courses can take some courses on campus but many courses are offered only online.

What the degree prepares you for.
The role of the Clinical Nurse Leader is the first new role for nurses in 40 years since the introduction of the Nurse Practitioner. It was designed to address the complex problems facing the health care delivery system including patient safety, quality of care, and costs.  Nurses are in a unique position with the appropriate background and expertise to help solve the nation’s health care crisis.  At the completion of the MSN, students are eligible to sit for the newly developed CNL certification exam offered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Per the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2007):
“The CNL is a leader in the health care delivery system across all settings in which health care is delivered, not just the acute care setting. The implementation of the CNL role, however, will vary across settings. The CNL role is not one of administration or management. The CNL functions within a microsystem and assumes accountability for healthcare outcomes for a specific group of clients within a unit or setting through the assimilation and application of research-based information to design, implement, and evaluate client plans of care. The CNL is a provider and a manager of care at the point of care to individuals and cohorts. The CNL designs, implements, and evaluates client care by coordinating, delegating and supervising the care provided by the health care team, including licensed nurses, technicians, and other health professionals. For more information visit the website of at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNL/Index.htm

Admission Criteria

This program is designed for the academically talented student who has experience in nursing.

The criteria for admission include:

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above
• One (1) year of nursing experience preferred
• Statement of professional goals
• Interview with graduate nursing faculty
• Connecticut RN license (or for online students RN license in state of professional practice)