Chief Nursing Officer

Description

Join St. Francis–Emory Healthcare , a 376-bed community-connected hospital in Columbus, GA, that blends cutting-edge care with hometown purpose. As part of the ScionHealth network, St. Francis has been recognized and awarded multiple high-performing honors by U.S. News & World Report, and received multiple disease-specific certifications from the Joint Commission, and was a rated Top Large Hospital in Georgia. St. Francis also delivers advanced heart, orthopedic, and women’s care services. At St. Francis, you will experience a culture of excellence where your work directly shapes the health of our community.

Job Summary

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has ultimate administrative responsibility for nursing standards and practices across all areas of the hospital. The CNO provides strategic leadership and oversight of nursing operations, ensuring delivery of high-quality, compassionate, and evidence-based care. This role collaborates with hospital leadership to design and implement clinical programs that drive improved outcomes and operational performance. The CNO is responsible for developing nursing policies, maintaining regulatory compliance, managing nursing resources, and leading performance improvement initiatives.

Essential Functions

Ensures continuous, safe, and timely nursing care and services

Establishes nursing standards and practices that comply with laws, regulations, and current professional standards

Develops and manages nursing services budget, staffing plans, and resource allocation

Leads hospital-wide Performance Improvement initiatives related to nursing services

Oversees recruitment, hiring, evaluation, and development of nursing staff

Participates in strategic planning and leadership committees

Collaborates with other hospital departments to ensure coordinated patient care

Prepares for and participates in regulatory and accreditation surveys

Develops and implements orientation and professional development programs for nursing staff

Evaluates equipment and supply needs for nursing units

Represents the hospital in community and professional forums

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

In-depth knowledge of nursing practice standards and regulatory requirements

Strong leadership and organizational skills

Effective verbal and written communication abilities

Proficiency in budget development and resource management

Ability to mentor and lead interdisciplinary teams

Demonstrated strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities

Frequent walking, standing, and sitting

Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally

Manual dexterity for operating office equipment

Hospital setting with frequent interaction with clinical and administrative staff

Fast-paced and dynamic work conditions

Potential exposure to infectious diseases and biohazards, with proper precautions in place

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing required

Master’s degree required (MSN or MHA preferred)

Licenses/Certifications

Current and active Registered Nurse license

Must meet licensure requirements within time frame required by facility policy

Experience

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a Chief Nursing Officer in an investor-owned healthcare organization

Prior experience with Joint Commission preparation and survey process