Job Description

Lead Nursing Excellence Through Transformational Change

Chief Nursing Officer Multi-Hospital Healthcare System

The Opportunity That Awaits

Imagine stepping into a role where your leadership truly matters—where you're not just maintaining operations, but actively reshaping the future of nursing care for an entire healthcare system. A growing healthcare system in Maine is seeking an exceptional Chief Nursing Officer to lead nursing services across a 2,450-bed system during one of the most pivotal moments in its history.

This isn't about incremental improvements. This is about transformation, stabilization, and renewal—with the full backing of executive leadership, system resources, and a clear mandate to make meaningful change.

What Makes This Role Different

You'll Have Real Authority
As the senior nursing executive, you'll have enterprise-level responsibility and the autonomy to drive decisions that matter. You're not implementing someone else's vision—you're creating it, alongside executive partners who understand that nursing leadership is central to organizational success.

Your Impact Will Be Immediate
The organization is in transition following an acquisition by Prime Healthcare (closing January 1, 2026). You'll help write the next chapter—rebuilding trust, strengthening operations, and positioning nursing as a strategic advantage during a critical stabilization phase.

You'll Build Something Lasting
This role offers the rare opportunity to develop nursing leaders, create sustainable systems, and establish a culture of excellence that will outlast your tenure. Your legacy will be measured in improved outcomes, stronger teams, and a nursing organization that thrives.

What You'll Lead

Strategic Nursing Leadership

  • Provide 24/7 executive oversight of all nursing and patient care services across the system
  • Represent nursing at the governing board level with authority equal to other C-suite leaders
  • Partner directly with the CEO and executive team during post-acquisition integration

Culture & Workforce Transformation

  • Address morale, retention, and engagement head-on in an environment ready for positive change
  • Recruit, develop, and mentor nursing leaders while building bench strength for the future
  • Be the visible, credible leader frontline staff need during uncertainty

Quality, Safety & Compliance

  • Drive improvements in patient outcomes, safety metrics, and satisfaction scores
  • Ensure regulatory compliance (CMS, Joint Commission, state/federal standards)
  • Standardize best practices while respecting local facility identities

Operational Excellence

  • Oversee nursing budgets with responsible cost management that protects quality and safety
  • Optimize staffing models, competency development, and resource utilization
  • Implement evidence-based practice and continuous performance improvement

Who Thrives in This Role

You Must Bring:

✓ Executive Presence – 5+ years leading complex nursing departments in hospital settings
✓ Senior Leadership Credibility – Minimum 2 years at the CNO, ACNO, or equivalent system-level role
✓ Change Leadership Experience – Proven ability to lead through disruption, turnarounds, or transitions
✓ Academic Foundation – BSN required; graduate degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or Business (or documented plan to obtain)
✓ Active RN License – Maine or compact-eligible
✓ Regulatory Expertise – Strong command of accreditation standards and compliance frameworks

What Sets You Apart:

  • You've successfully recruited, retained, and developed nursing talent in challenging environments
  • You build trust quickly and maintain it under pressure
  • You balance urgency with transparency—people follow you because they believe in your leadership
  • You've navigated organizational change without losing your team's confidence
  • You understand that effective change requires both accountability and empathy

What We Offer in Return

Competitive Compensation
Comprehensive benefits package Relocation assistance available

Professional Growth
Visibility within a multi-hospital system Opportunity to influence system-wide strategy Platform for broader career advancement

Meaningful Work
Lead a nursing organization through its most important transformation Develop future leaders Create lasting positive change for patients and staff

Quality of Life
Maine offers four-season outdoor recreation, strong community connections, and a more balanced pace than major metros—without sacrificing professional scope or impact. The region provides an affordable cost of living with access to natural beauty and authentic New England lifestyle.

The Reality Check

This is not a maintenance role. This is not the right opportunity for a first-time CNO or someone seeking "business as usual."

This role demands a steady, respected nursing executive who can:

  • Navigate complexity without losing staff trust
  • Hold teams accountable while building loyalty
  • Lead with stamina and judgment through a high-pressure transition year
  • Make difficult decisions with transparency and integrity


Details

Employee Type
Full-Time Regular

City
Brunswick
State
ME