Clinical Nurse Leader - Behavioral Health

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

Location: Grand Rapids, MI Department: PMU Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Patient Care

• 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.

Outcomes Management & Quality Improvement

• 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.

Education & Professional Development

• 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.

Care Coordination & Team Management

• 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.

Patient Advocacy & Safety

• 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.

Information & Data Management

• 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.

Professional Practice

• 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.

Qualifications

Required Education

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

Required Licensure & Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) unencumbered license.
• CNL Certification required within six (6) months of hire.

Required Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of acute care nursing experience.
• Progressive healthcare experience that includes: Direct patient care, Staff education and mentoring, Clinical problem-solving, Participation in unit or organizational improvement initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional clinical judgment and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and patient safety principles.
• Ability to analyze clinical data and translate findings into improved outcomes.
• Strong communication, teaching, coaching, and mentoring skills.
• Experience with electronic medical records and healthcare technology.
• Ability to function effectively under pressure in a fast-paced patient care environment.
• Commitment to patient-centered care, professional development, and lifelong learning.

Why Join Us?

As a Clinical Nurse Leader, you will have the opportunity to influence patient outcomes, drive evidence-based practice, mentor nursing professionals, and lead meaningful improvements in care delivery. This role combines advanced clinical expertise with leadership, quality improvement, education, and care coordination to make a lasting impact on patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Apply today to help shape the future of patient care through clinical excellence, leadership, and innovation.

Please completely fill out the application and upload resume.

This is required to be considered, including internal candidates.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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