Based on knowledge and skills acquired through basic nursing education, with licensure as a registered nurse (RN) and graduate education and experience that includes advanced nursing theory, physical assessment, psychosocial assessment, and treatment of illness. Includes nurse practitioners (NPs), certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs).

The CNL is a master’s degree–prepared generalist who oversees the care coordination of a distinct group of patients in any setting. The CNL actively provides direct patient care in complex situations, evaluates patient outcomes, and has the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary. This clinician puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery and is envisioned as a leader in the health care delivery system.

The DNP is an expert in advanced nursing practice who has an earned clinically focused doctorate degree in nursing.

Health care team composed of professionals from different disciplines including chaplains, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, physical therapists, physicians, respiratory therapists, social workers, and speech-language pathologists who cooperate, collaborate, communicate, and integrate care to ensure that care is continuous and reliable.

(1) Traditional duties and responsibilities of the professional nurse, regardless of practice area or setting, such as the roles of care provider, educator, counselor, client advocate, change agent, leader and manager, researcher, and coordinator of the interprofessional health care team. (2) Duties and responsibilities of the professional nurse that are guided by specific professional standards of practice and usually carried out in a distinct practice area (e.g., flight nurse, forensic nurse, occupational nurse).