Clinical Nurse D (CN-D)

Stage: “Proficient to Expert”

Definition: A CN-D is considered Proficient to Expert¹. This RN perceives situations as a whole experience and grows beyond the analytical principles to intuition. Further, this nurse has improved decision making skills; the nurse is able to discern which attributes and aspects in a situation are important. This nurse is seen as a mentor, role model, and someone who will continue to advance their professional development.

The CN-D level builds on the CN-C level and requires that applicants have:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN).
  • Please provide a copy of your degree submitted in your portfolio.
• A professional nursing certification (Must be a certification on the approved certification list).
  • List of approved cert
• A minimum of 125 points from the point tally sheet.
  • Points are only valid if collected within the last 2 years of the application submission date unless otherwise indicated in appendices)
• A minimum of 3 years of nursing experience per the job description.
  • Nursing years of experience at another hospital/healthcare organization will be accepted.
• An approved QI/PI or EBP/Research Project, including the PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM.
  • All CN-D applicants must meet with your unit leadership to discuss the project and receive unit leadership (Manager and/or Director) and AVP approval prior to submitting the PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM to the Magnet department for review and final approval.
  • Exception to submitting a Project Proposal Form:
    • As an EBP fellow, you are NOT required to submit a project proposal form. Project must still be approved by the EBP team and unit leadership (Manager, Director, and AVP)
  • A project must receive final approval prior to project implementation or completion. A completed project without going through either step listed above will not be eligible.

Note: Virtual CAP info sessions, in which CN-D applicants and nurse leaders can attend to ask and clarify questions about the CN-D requirements and process, will be available soon. More to come!

Note: For ongoing maintenance: Completion of at least 25 points from the point tally sheet every 2 years from the date you were awarded CN-D status. Please submit the tally sheet to your manager during your annual evaluation. Overall professional conduct will also be evaluated by your leadership to confirm on-going CN-D status. Completed tally sheets should be placed in the employee’s file. New portfolios/binders are NOT required for ongoing maintenance.

Process of application:

• Completes the requirements stated above.
• Voluntarily initiates appointment with nurse manager/department head to review tally sheet & questions.
• Typed Portfolio or Black ink on all documents.
• Submits portfolio to nurse manager/ department head including::
  • Cover Letter and Résumé
  • Completed Tally Sheet
  • Self-evaluation and peer reviews (appendix L, M and N) 
  • Original copies of all supporting documents (including copy of last annual performance evaluation)

Portfolio Submission & Interview Process/Tips:

Note: All CN-D applicants will receive a formal email invitation for the official interview as well as a 30-minute meeting invitation to help prepare for the interview. The 30-minute meeting will be done on one’s own time and is not required but highly recommended. If you have any additional questions, please email Magnet@llu.edu.

• Clinical Nurse D Interview schedule and process tips
  • Example CND Portfolio #1 Redacted
  • Example CND Portfolio #2 Redacted

All CN-D RNs, including transfer employees, must maintain satisfactory job performance in all categories of the performance evaluation from year-to-year. CN-D will have a two-year grace period to retain status when transferring from one area to another.

Please download and review the CAP document for complete details on the application requirements. For any questions please email Magnet@llu.edu