I'm pursuing nursing as a second career and I've narrowed down my list of schools to two.  Both programs are MSN programs, however, one would prepare me to be a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) and the other would prepare me to be a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).  I've been reading different opionons online and it sounds like the CNL position is still fairly new and not recognized as broadly as the CNS role.  

Can anyone offer me some advice about which would be a better bet?  I would love to hear some opinions.

Thank you!

Carrie

Carrie, you don't say if you are already a nurse.  If you are not, then you will probably have to become one before you can get into an MSN program, especially an advanced practice program like CNS.

Assuming you are not an RN yet, do you have a Bachelor of Science in another field?  If you do, then you should be eligible for an accelerated RN-MSN program.  You will get an MSN, and be eligible for the NCLEX RN.  From there, you can get a post-master's certificate as a CNS or CNL.

I also don't know much about CNL's to really advise you which would be better.  No education is wasted, however, so I would look at what the role of a CNL is supposed to be and decide if that appeals to you.  The program coordinator would be a good person to talk to.