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Chief Nursing Officer

Quick Facts

Median Salary$146,514
Most Common EducationMaster's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+14.68%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Chief Nursing Officer ensures patient-care, clinical and staffing standards are met. Advise on best practice in nursing and patient care, are involved in recruitment, training, retention and development of compensation and benefit programs for the nursing staff. Manage nursing budget and develop patient care programs and services. May manage across multiple departments of a healthcare organization.


Core Tasks:

  • Direct, supervise and evaluate work activities of medical, nursing, technical, clerical, service, maintenance, and other personnel.
  • Develop and maintain computerized record management systems to store and process data, such as personnel activities and information, and to produce reports.
  • Plan, implement, and administer programs and services in a health care or medical facility, including personnel administration, training, and coordination of medical, nursing and physical plant staff.
  • Conduct and administer fiscal operations, including accounting, planning budgets, authorizing expenditures, establishing rates for services, and coordinating financial reporting.
  • Maintain awareness of advances in medicine, computerized diagnostic and treatment equipment, data processing technology, government regulations, health insurance changes, and financing options.
  • Establish work schedules and assignments for staff, according to workload, space, and equipment availability.
  • Monitor the use of diagnostic services, inpatient beds, facilities, and staff to ensure effective use of resources and assess the need for additional staff, equipment, and services.
  • Direct or conduct recruitment, hiring, and training of personnel.
  • Manage change in integrated health care delivery systems, such as work restructuring, technological innovations, and shifts in the focus of care.
  • Maintain communication between governing boards, medical staff, and department heads by attending board meetings and coordinating interdepartmental functioning.
  • Establish objectives and evaluative or operational criteria for units managed.
  • Develop and implement organizational policies and procedures for the facility or medical unit.
  • Review and analyze facility activities and data to aid planning and cash and risk management and to improve service utilization.
  • Prepare activity reports to inform management of the status and implementation plans of programs, services, and quality initiatives.
  • Develop or expand and implement medical programs or health services that promote research, rehabilitation, and community health.
  • Consult with medical, business, and community groups to discuss service problems, respond to community needs, enhance public relations, coordinate activities and plans, and promote health programs.
  • Develop instructional materials and conduct in-service and community-based educational programs.

What to expect as a Chief Nursing Officer

1Earn a Master's degree

75% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Chief Nursing Officer related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

225 openings for Chief Nursing Officers

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

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