Executive Search Associates is partnering with a healthcare organization to identify a seasoned and confident Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) to lead nursing services for an acute-care hospital during a period of organizational transition. This on-site executive leadership role is designed for an experienced nursing leader who can quickly assess operations, provide stability, and lead with clarity in a complex and evolving environment.

Description

The Chief Nursing Officer serves as the senior nursing executive, responsible for the strategic direction, clinical excellence, and operational oversight of all nursing services. This role is central to ensuring high-quality patient care, regulatory compliance, workforce stability, and nursing practice excellence. The organization is seeking a proven executive leader—not a developmental candidate—who is comfortable leading through ambiguity, change, and heightened expectations.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and oversight for all nursing services and clinical nursing departments.
• Ensure delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centered care across the organization.
• Establish and uphold professional nursing practice standards.
• Lead performance improvement initiatives focused on quality, safety, and patient outcomes.
• Guide nursing operations through a period of organizational transition and stabilization.
• Partner with executive leadership to assess nursing operations and implement targeted improvement strategies.
• Align nursing practices with system-level policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
• Serve as a visible, trusted leader during change initiatives, maintaining strong engagement with staff.
• Address nursing workforce challenges through strategic staffing, recruitment, and retention efforts.
• Support the development, engagement, and accountability of nursing leaders and frontline staff.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, resilience, and professional excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, accreditation, and licensing standards.
• Collaborate with quality, risk, and compliance teams to drive continuous improvement.
• Promote evidence-based nursing practice across all care settings.
• Work collaboratively with physicians, clinical leaders, and operational partners.
• Build trust with frontline teams through clear, transparent, and consistent communication.

Requirements

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) licensure (compact-eligible).
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Minimum of five years of senior nursing leadership experience (CNO, ACNO, or equivalent hospital-wide role).
• Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple nursing departments and clinical service lines.
• Strong understanding of regulatory, accreditation, and compliance standards.
• Proven ability to lead effectively in fast-paced, evolving healthcare environments.
• Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Experience leading through organizational transition, stabilization, or operational change is highly valued.
• Background in community-based, rural, or non-profit healthcare settings is a plus.
• Leadership style characterized by decisiveness, emotional intelligence, and clear communication.
• Ability to remain resilient, adaptable, and solutions-oriented amid uncertainty.

Contact

Are you a seasoned nursing executive who brings confidence, clarity, and stability during times of change? This role offers a meaningful opportunity to lead nursing services with impact—supporting caregivers, strengthening care delivery, and guiding the organization forward.

At Executive Search Associates our mission and our passion is bringing talented people together. For more information about this position or a confidential conversation about your career goals, CLICK HERE to schedule a meeting or contact Eric Falt: eric@letmeshutmydoor.com or 303-951-6378.