2013 CNL® Summit
January 17-19, 2013
Abstract Submission Form
Abstract title: A Self-Efficacy Scale for Clinical Nurse Leaders ®: (CNLs® ): Results of a Pilot
Study
Author Name & Credentials: Mattia J. Gilmartin PhD, RN & Kathleen Nokes PhD, RN,
FAAN
Institution: New York University and Hunter College, City University of New York
City/State: New York, New York
Primary Contact Email: mjg14@nyu.edu
Instructions: Please complete each of the following sections, when applicable. Each section
should contain between 50 and 250 words, using Times New Roman, 12 point font.
Background Information:
Prior analyses of efforts to implement the new master’s prepared generalist Clinical Nurse
Leader (CNL) role focus mainly on promoting effective organizational change and work unit
redesign. In contrast, this study focuses on individuals’ self-efficacy, an important predictor of
role transition, job satisfaction and performance.
Aim:
To promote the implementation of the CNL role, we developed a new scale, the Clinical Nurse
Leader Self-Efficacy scale (CNLSES), to assess registered nurses’ beliefs in their ability to
function effectively in the CNL role. We report preliminary psychometric analyses assessing the
reliability, construct validity, and discriminant validity for a state-specific self-efficacy scale that
assesses nurses’ perceptions of their ability to function effectively as a CNL.
Methods/Programs/Practices:
We gathered cross-sectional survey data from a national sample of nurses who passed the
national CNL certification exam administered by the Commission for Nurse Certification (CNC)
in March through September 2011. We followed a standard approach to assess the reliability and
validity of the 54-item CNLSES, using principal components analysis with varimax rotation.
Outcome Data:
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Based on the results from principal components analysis, we identified nine distinct factors with
eigen values of >1.0that measure distinctive role competencies for CNL practice. These results
support the scale’s construct validity. Cronbach coefficient alphas for the indices range from
.97-.86 demonstrating strong reliability as measured by internal consistency. Further, the pattern
of zero-order correlations among the indices shows moderate levels of discriminant validity
among the measures of role competencies for the CNLSES.
Conclusion:
The CNLSES role competencies align closely with those prescribed by the American
Association of College of Nursing. The CNLSES holds promise as a self-assessment tool to
develop comprehensive role implementation and career transition programs and to inform
changes to CNL program curricula to gain the full benefit of CNL practice. Further analyses
with larger samples using structural equation modeling are warranted to support possible
additional development of the CNLSES.
AACN Call for Abstracts, 2013 CNL Summit
2