Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

What is the role of a CNL in a clinical setting when a care discrepancy arises?

1. Assign blame to the appropriate staff member

2. Implement immediate disciplinary action

3. Facilitate a review of processes to identify errors

4. Handle the situation independently without involving the team

The correct answer is: Facilitate a review of processes to identify errors

The role of a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) in a clinical setting when a care discrepancy arises is centered around facilitating a review of processes to identify errors. This approach is essential for a number of reasons. First, it emphasizes a systems-based perspective rather than assigning blame, which can create a culture of fear and prevent team members from openly discussing mistakes. By focusing on process improvement, the CNL encourages a collaborative environment where staff can learn from the incident, ensuring that similar discrepancies are less likely to occur in the future. Additionally, the CNL plays a vital role in coordinating care and advocating for best practices, making it imperative to engage the team in discussions and evaluations of workflow and communication patterns related to patient care. This can lead to the identification of systemic issues contributing to care discrepancies, allowing for strategic interventions that enhance patient safety and quality of care. In contrast, approaches such as assigning blame, implementing disciplinary action, or handling situations in isolation do not promote an atmosphere conducive to learning and improvement. They risk damaging team morale and may prevent open dialogue about potential problems in care delivery. Therefore, by facilitating a review of processes, the CNL supports an organizational culture focused on continuous quality improvement and patient-centered care.