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Cnl Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Cnl information

See Texas salary details

$41.5K

$120.9K

$165.4K

How much do cnl jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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?

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 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.

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 is the job outlook for clinical nurse leaders?

The job outlook for clinical nurse leaders (CNLs) is positive, with employment expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations due to increasing healthcare demands and a focus on quality patient care. CNLs with strong leadership, clinical skills, and certification are in demand across hospitals and healthcare organizations.

What qualifications are needed for clinical nurse leader jobs?

Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNLs) typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and must be licensed registered nurses (RNs). Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in nursing or a related field, along with clinical experience and strong leadership skills.

What are popular job titles related to Cnl jobs in Texas?

For Cnl jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cnl jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Cnl jobs in Texas are:

Cnl jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cnl job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,851 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

Registered Nurse (Clinical Nurse Leader) - EDRP Authorized

Veterans Health Administration

Dallas, TX • On-site

$78K - $181K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Veterans Health Administration rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,005 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 888 rated healthcare providers

Job description


QualificationsBasic 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/12997835
  • Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers 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 II Demonstrates 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 III Demonstrates 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 II Demonstrates 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 III Executes 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: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.

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About Veterans Health Administration

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The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving millions of Veterans each year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, and many other parts of the US, the VHA operates under the Department of Veteran Affairs, as suggested by their official website va.gov. The VHA is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to its veterans. The organization offers a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, including mental health services, research, and pharmacy benefits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

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