Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

What is the CNL's role as a member of the interdisciplinary team?

1. Maintaining and updating the plan of care (POC)

2. Collaborating with team members for care delivery

3. Delegating tasks to other staff members

4. Taking charge of all patient care responsibilities

The correct answer is: Taking charge of all patient care responsibilities

The role of the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) as a member of the interdisciplinary team focuses on collaboration and coordination, ensuring comprehensive care delivery while engaging in leadership and advocacy. As part of an interdisciplinary team, the CNL emphasizes collaboration with team members to establish and adjust care strategies for optimizing patient outcomes. Engaging in collaboration allows the CNL to harness the diverse expertise within the team, promoting a holistic approach to patient care that is essential in today’s complex healthcare environment. The CNL facilitates communication among team members, encouraging shared decision-making and enhancing the integration of care plans across various disciplines. Moreover, while the CNL does play a significant role in maintaining and updating the plan of care, their primary emphasis is not solely on maintaining the plan independently but on ensuring that the entire team is aligned and informed. This collaborative spirit is instrumental in effectively addressing the comprehensive needs of patients and improving healthcare delivery. The delegation of tasks, while an important component of the CNL's responsibilities, is part of a broader collaborative effort rather than a standalone function. The CNL does not assume all patient care responsibilities but rather supports the team structure where care is shared among qualified professionals.