Which statement best describes a fundamental aspect of the clinical nurse leader (CNL)?

The fundamental aspect of the clinical nurse leader (CNL) is best captured by the focus on evaluating care for evidence-based approaches. This describes a core responsibility of the CNL, which is to integrate clinical practice with leadership, quality improvement, and patient safety through the use of evidence-informed strategies. The CNL is trained to analyze patient data to develop care plans, ensuring that the interventions are based on the most current and effective research findings. By evaluating care in this manner, the CNL not only seeks to enhance patient outcomes but also plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of evidence-based practice among nursing staff. This commitment to using data and research to guide clinical decisions is a defining characteristic of the CNL role, aligning with the overarching goals of improving health care delivery and patient safety.