Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
Position Summary:
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all nursing and clinical services within the hospital. As a member of the executive leadership team, the CNO ensures high-quality, safe, and patient-centered care within the med/surg and emergency department. This role is responsible for aligning nursing practice with the hospital's mission, regulatory standards, and community health needs while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategy Serve as a member of the hospital's senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making. Provide leadership for nursing and clinical operations consistent with the hospital's mission, vision, and values. Develop and implement nursing strategic plans aligned with organizational goals and community healthcare needs. Hold Departmental Meetings once a month to provide education, updates, and/or team building. Foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and professional development. Clinical & Operational Oversight Direct and oversee nursing services across care settings (acute, swing bed, and the emergency department). Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accrediting/regulatory requirements (e.g., CMS Conditions of Participation for CAHs, state licensure). Monitor quality, patient safety, and outcomes, implementing evidence-based practices to improve care delivery. Collaborate with medical staff and department leaders to ensure effective patient flow, staffing, and resource utilization. Ensure timely completion and submission of all required regulatory, clinical, and administrative reports. Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with hospital policy, CMS Conditions of Participation, and accrediting bodies. Monitor reporting data to identify trends, drive performance improvement initiatives, and support transparency with hospital leadership, governing board, and regulatory agencies. Workforce & Development Engagement Recruit, retain, and develop nursing staff. Promote a culture of engagement, recognition, and accountability. Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for frontline staff. Ensure appropriate staffing models and schedules that support quality care and staff well-being. Financial & Resource Management Develop, manage, and monitor nursing department budgets. Optimize use of resources, supplies, and staffing to ensure cost-effective operations. Work with the CEO on financial planning, capital requests, and workforce planning. Community & Collaboration Build positive relationships with community partners, patients, and families to strengthen trust in the hospital's services. Collaborate with other hospital leaders on strategic initiatives, service line development, and community health improvement efforts. Serve as a visible leader, role model, and advocate for patient-centered care.
Qualifications Education:
Graduate from an accredited school of nursing. Bachelor's degree in Nursing, required. Master's degree in Nursing field, preferred.
Licensure:
Current RN license in the state of Oklahoma.
Experience:
Minimum 5-7 years of progressive nursing leadership experience, preferably in a rural or critical access hospital setting.
Knowledge:
Strong understanding of CMS CAH requirements, quality improvement, patient safety, and rural healthcare challenges.
Skills:
Exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage staff at all levels, basic computer knowledge, knowledge of medical terminology and HIPAA regulations. The ability to demonstrate leadership, managerial ability, good interpersonal relationships, of sound administrative principles.
Certifications:
Current BLS certification.
ACLS, PALS
certifications within 6 months of hire.
Physical Demands:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, attending meetings, and working on a computer. Frequent walking throughout the hospital and clinical areas. Occasional standing for extended periods during rounds, staff huddles, or community meetings. Ability to assist or support staff in clinical areas when necessary, which may include bending, reaching, lifting up to 25 pounds, and responding quickly in emergency situations. Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to assess patient care environments and communicate effectively with staff, patients, and families. Flexibility to adjust hours as needed to support hospital operations, including evenings, weekends, or on-call responsibilities Reporting Structure Reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Works closely with the Medical Staff, and other Leaders.
