Dr. James L. Harris is currently a Program Director for Leadership Development at the Veterans Health Administration Central Office in Washington, DC. Prior to his current position, Dr. Harris was the Chief Nursing Officer at VA TVHS for over six years. He is recognized nationally for his innovative work with the CNL project throughout academic and practice sites, including AACN. He remains active as a consultant for CNL projects, leadership and development and mental health nursing. He is widely published and a Professor of Nursing at Vanderbilt University.

“The healthcare system in America is very fragmented. Compounding this issue is the need for America's veterans to receive the best care possible; hence the model was initiated at TVHS with resounding outcomes. Additionally, opportunities for staff nurses with advanced degrees who desire to remain at the bedside have diminished over the years. The CNL role offers this opportunity, and the richness of experiences multiply and become markers of nursing success.”

“The importance of communication of the role, its merits and the outcomes to all levels of staff and patients.”