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Cnl Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

... CNL - Certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CNC) CNML - Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (AACN) CNML - Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (AONL) CPHQ - Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (NAHQ ...

Cnl information

See Texas salary details

$41.5K

$120.9K

$165.4K

How much do cnl jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for cnl in Texas is $120,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,700.00 and $128,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CNL job?

A Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is a highly skilled registered nurse who focuses on improving patient care outcomes across various healthcare settings. They integrate evidence-based practices, coordinate care teams, and ensure high-quality patient care. CNLs are not direct care providers but act as leaders, educators, and advocates to enhance clinical outcomes and patient safety. This role typically requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and CNL certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cnl position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), you need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with CNL certification and a solid grounding in evidence-based clinical practice and care coordination. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, patient safety protocols, and quality improvement tools is crucial. Standout soft skills include leadership, effective communication, and a proactive approach to interdisciplinary teamwork. These competencies are vital because CNLs play a central role in optimizing care delivery, driving patient outcomes, and leading healthcare teams across complex clinical settings.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)?

As a Clinical Nurse Leader, you can expect to oversee and coordinate patient care activities, promote evidence-based practices, and lead quality improvement initiatives on your designated unit. CNLs routinely collaborate with physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals to ensure that patient care plans are cohesive and up-to-date. Additional daily tasks may include analyzing data on patient outcomes and safety, mentoring staff, and addressing any care delivery challenges that arise. This dynamic role allows you to directly impact patient experiences while shaping the culture and effectiveness of your healthcare team.
Infographic showing various Cnl job openings in Texas as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $120,851 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

Registered Nurse (Clinical Nurse Leader) - EDRP Authorized

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Dallas, TX

$75.69K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  • English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
  • Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
  • Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.)
  • Additional Education: Nurse (Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)) must possess a bachelor's level degree in nursing and a master's degree from an accredited CNL education program..
  • Certification: Nurse (Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)) must possess certification as a CNL from the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC), American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.
Preferred Experience
  • Master's prepared nurse
  • Possess active CNL certification
  • RN with at least three years of acute care or critical care experience
  • At least two years of leadership experience
  • Possess active nursing certification other than CNL
  • Proficient with completion of PDSA and EBP projects

Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12965804.Grade/LevelScopeEducationNurse I, Level IDelivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies.An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required.Nurse I, Level IIDemonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex.An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required.Nurse I, Level IIIDemonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations.An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience.Nurse IIDemonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others.A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience.Nurse IIIExecutes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting.MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III.*Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Pushing (8-12 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (8-12 hours); Standing (8-12 hours); Kneeling; Repeated bending (8-12 hours); Climbing, legs only; Climbing, use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Fr Specific visual requirement (specify) Standing ( hours) Crawling hours) Kneeling ( ( hours) 4b. Environmental Factors Outside Electric; Both eyes required; Dept perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Sitting (8 hours); Simple grasping (2-4 hours); Fine manipulation - including keyboarding; Twisting (2 hours); Mental and emotional stability.Education:Education Accreditation: The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN), or Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) must be recognized by the appropriate State-accrediting agency and accredited by either of the following accrediting agencies at the time the program was completed by the applicant:
  1. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) OR
  2. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  3. ACEN or CCNE program or degree accreditation may also be found under the U.S. Department of Education

Notes:
  • Department of Education: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
  • Foreign Education: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
  • School Name: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
  • No longer on accreditation site: If your school was accredited by ACEN or CCNE at the time of graduation, but is no longer listed on the websites, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.
Employment Type: OTHER