Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

Deaconess Memorial Medical Center

Mission Statement

To advance the health and wellbeing of our community with a compassionate and caring spirit.

Position Summary

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) provides executive leadership for nursing and patient care services at Deaconess Memorial Medical Center, ensuring the delivery of coordinated, cost-effective, and high-quality care. This role is accountable for advancing nursing excellence through evidence-based practice, regulatory compliance, quality and safety outcomes, and workforce engagement, while supporting and sustaining Magnet Recognition Program standards.

The CNO collaborates closely with clinical, operational, and interprofessional leaders to achieve organizational goals aligned with Deaconess’ mission, strategic plan, and value-based performance measures. Strong relationship-building, strategic vision, and operational leadership are essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Communicate and operationalize Deaconess’ mission, vision, values, and behavioral performance standards.

• Lead and support nursing strategy aligned with organizational and system-wide priorities.

• Partner with interprofessional leaders to identify and implement clinical practice improvements.

• Effectively manage planned and unplanned change while supporting staff through complex and high-stress environments.

• Provide executive oversight of nursing operations to ensure achievement of department and organizational goals.

Nursing Practice & Professional Standards

• Ensure nursing practice aligns with the American Nurses Association (ANA) Scope and Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

• Provide oversight and leadership for nursing policies, procedures, and standardized care delivery.

• Serve as a mentor, resource, and professional role model for nursing leaders.

• Promote innovative education and competency-based professional development to support optimal patient outcomes.

• Ensure compliance with state Nurse Practice Acts and professional nursing standards.

Quality, Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Drive nursing quality outcomes toward top-decile (90th percentile) performance.

• Collaborate with case management and care transition leaders to optimize length of stay, continuity of care, and readmission rates.

• Promote a culture of safety and just culture principles across nursing services.

• Partner with Patient Safety, Quality, and Regulatory leaders to ensure compliance with accreditation, regulatory, and patient safety standards.

• Utilize data, NDNQI, core measures, and evidence-based practices to guide continuous improvement initiatives.

• Support and advance nursing research and evidence-based practice integration.

Workforce Engagement & Human Resources

• Foster a culture of engagement, accountability, and professional growth.

• Provide visible leadership through rounding, staff engagement, and accessibility.

• Ensure fair and consistent application of HR policies and performance management.

• Support succession planning, leadership development, and retention strategies.

• Address conflict and staff concerns promptly and constructively.

Customer Loyalty & Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with staff, physicians, patients, and community partners.

• Utilize feedback tools and satisfaction data to improve service excellence and loyalty.

• Lead service recovery efforts and ensure timely follow-up on concerns and trends.

Fiscal & Resource Management

• Provide executive oversight of nursing budgets, staffing, and resource utilization.

• Ensure financial stewardship while maintaining high standards of patient care.

• Lead long-range planning and annual budget development for nursing services.

• Effectively articulate and justify resource needs to support clinical operations.

Education & Experience

Required

• Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) or active plan to complete within five (5) years of appointment (waivers may apply in specific circumstances).

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the applicable state.

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive nursing leadership experience.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) – Healthcare Provider (within six months of hire).

Preferred

• Nurse Executive Board Certification (NE-BC) or ability to obtain within two years.

• Six Sigma or similar performance improvement training.

• Experience with EPIC electronic health record systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated executive-level communication and presentation skills.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Proven project management and performance improvement expertise.

• Ability to interpret complex regulatory, financial, and clinical data.

• Advanced organizational, prioritization, and change-management skills.

• High level of computer and data systems competency.

About Deaconess Health System

Deaconess Health System is the largest employer in the tri-state region, and operates under the direction of a local board, with a local focus. Deaconess is widely recognized for its commitment to excellence. Named the #2 Hospital in Indiana by US News & World Report for the past five years, Deaconess was also named to the Forbes list of America's Best Employers in 2022 & 2023. As our organization continues to grow and expand, we welcome skilled, dedicated and compassionate individuals to join us in delivering The Deaconess Difference: putting people at the center of everything we do, making a positive difference in the lives of our patients, families, employees and community.

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