Clinical Nurse Leader - Behavioral Health

Employment Type

Full time

Day Shift

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

Grand Rapids, MI

PMU

Full-Time

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is a master's-prepared Registered Nurse who serves as a clinical leader, care coordinator, outcomes manager, educator, advocate, and change agent within a designated patient care microsystem. In collaboration with the clinical leadership team and interdisciplinary healthcare partners, the CNL is accountable for managing care delivery and the care environment through comprehensive knowledge of patients, effective communication, and lateral integration of care.

The CNL provides horizontal leadership across the continuum of care, translating evidence into practice, improving patient outcomes, and coordinating care for a defined patient population. The role focuses on optimizing quality, safety, patient experience, and operational effectiveness while maintaining 24-hour accountability for nursing care provided by self and delegated team members.

• Coordinate, design, integrate, evaluate, and oversee care for individuals, families, and patient populations within a designated microsystem.
• Perform and oversee comprehensive patient assessments, care planning, implementation, and evaluation of outcomes.
• Provide direct patient care and consultation for complex clinical situations.
• Utilize evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes, promote health, and reduce risk.
• Develop strong partnerships with patients, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members.

• Monitor, analyze, and improve patient outcome indicators, including:
  • Falls
  • Pressure injuries
  • Medication errors
  • Infection prevention metrics
  • Patient experience measures
• Maintain unit-level quality dashboards and performance metrics.
• Lead or participate in quality improvement and performance improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a catalyst for change by implementing evidence-based practices and process improvements.

• Provide formal and informal education to nursing staff, patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Facilitate clinical rounds and mentoring opportunities for nursing staff.
• Develop and coordinate patient education materials and care pathways.
• Support staff competency development and clinical excellence.
• Serve as a coach, mentor, and professional resource for nursing colleagues.

• Coordinate care across multiple disciplines and care settings.
• Facilitate effective communication among healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Delegate and manage clinical resources while promoting accountability and quality outcomes.
• Collaborate with Advanced Practice Providers, physicians, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Provide feedback and recommendations regarding staff competency, development, and performance.

• Advocate for patients, families, and communities to ensure informed participation in care decisions.
• Promote patient-centered care and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Identify patient safety risks and implement strategies to prevent medical errors.
• Support compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including Joint Commission, CMS, OSHA, and other applicable agencies.

• Utilize electronic health records and clinical information systems to support patient care and decision-making.
• Analyze and communicate patient data, progress, and outcomes effectively.
• Leverage current research and clinical evidence to guide practice improvements.

• Participate in shared governance activities and nursing professional practice initiatives.
• Maintain accountability for ongoing professional growth and lifelong learning.
• Obtain and maintain specialty certifications relevant to assigned clinical area.
• Support organizational mission, vision, values, and standards of excellence.

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN) with emphasis in the Clinical Nurse Leader role and associated competencies.

• Extensive clinical knowledge of the assigned patient population, or the ability to develop this expertise through mentorship and continued professional development.

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) unencumbered license.
• CNL Certification…