Introduction: The new Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) nursing role was developed to meet the complex health care needs of patients, families, and health care systems.
Case presentation: This article describes the process used by nurse leaders at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing and Hospital to develop Model C CNL practicum courses, recruit and prepare clinical preceptors, prepare clinical microsystems for CNL students, and develop additional practice partnerships throughout the region. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: Critical to the success of the CNL role is a dynamic partnership between academic and practice leaders.The partnership allows faculty to develop curricula that are relevant and responsive to the rapidly changing health care system. Clinical leaders become more aware of trends and issues in nursing education.
Discussion: Continued growth and success of the CNL role is largely dependent on the ability of faculty and practice partners to collaborate on innovative educational programs and models of care delivery.