Growing and Sustaining the Clinical Nurse Leader Initiative: Shifting the Focus From Pioneering Innovation to Evidence-Driven Integration Into Healthcare Delivery.

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) initiative has been characterized by innovation. While an innovation framework for diffusing CNL practice remains relevant, generalizable evidence of effectiveness is necessary to sustain nationwide momentum. A framework is proposed in this department for a national-level CNL research collaborative linking research, policy, education, and practice stakeholders in an ongoing partnership to advance CNL evidence, education, policy, and practice.