Morris County Hospital is accepting applications for a Chief Nursing Officer to oversee our hospital nursing and surgery departments. This benefits eligible full time position will work on-site, Monday through Friday.
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) serves as the senior nursing executive and is responsible for the strategic leadership, planning, organization, direction, and evaluation of all nursing and designated clinical services within the Critical Access Hospital. The CNO ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centered care while maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations, accreditation standards, and the hospital's mission, vision, and values.
As a member of the executive leadership team, the CNO collaborates with physicians, department leaders, and community partners to promote clinical excellence, operational efficiency, financial stewardship, employee engagement, and continuous quality improvement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Administration
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Provides executive leadership for all nursing services and assigned clinical departments.
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Develops and implements strategic goals that support the hospital's mission and long-term objectives.
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Participates as a member of the executive leadership team in organizational planning, budgeting, and decision-making.
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Promotes a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and patient safety.
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Serves as a role model for ethical leadership and evidence-based practice.
Clinical Quality and Patient Safety
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Oversees nursing practice to ensure safe, effective, patient-centered care across all departments.
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Establishes and monitors quality indicators, patient outcomes, and performance improvement initiatives.
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Leads patient safety programs and promotes a culture of continuous quality improvement.
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Ensures compliance with Critical Access Hospital Conditions of Participation, state regulations, and accreditation standards.
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Collaborates with medical staff to improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Regulatory Compliance
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Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local healthcare regulations.
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Maintains readiness for regulatory surveys and accreditation reviews.
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Develops and implements nursing policies and procedures consistent with current standards of practice.
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Oversees infection prevention, risk management, and nursing documentation standards.
Financial Management
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Develops, manages, and monitors departmental operating and capital budgets.
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Evaluates staffing models to ensure safe, efficient utilization of personnel.
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Identifies opportunities to improve productivity while maintaining quality care.
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Supports revenue cycle initiatives through accurate documentation and regulatory compliance.
Human Resources and Workforce Development
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Recruits, develops, mentors, and retains qualified nursing staff.
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Oversees performance evaluations, coaching, succession planning, and leadership development.
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Promotes employee engagement and professional growth.
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Ensures appropriate staffing levels and competency validation.
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Supports nursing education and continuing professional development.
Collaboration
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Builds collaborative relationships with physicians, advanced practice providers, ancillary departments, and community healthcare organizations.
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Participates in medical staff committees, quality committees, and governing board meetings as assigned.
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Represents nursing services in community and regional healthcare initiatives.
Strategic Planning
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Identifies emerging healthcare trends affecting rural healthcare delivery.
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Leads initiatives to improve access, quality, and patient experience.
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Supports implementation of new clinical programs, technology, and evidence-based practices.
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Assists in emergency preparedness planning and disaster response activities.
Qualifications
Education
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required.
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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or related graduate degree required or preferred based on organizational needs.
Experience
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Minimum of five years of progressive nursing leadership experience.
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Previous executive nursing leadership experience preferred.
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Experience in a Critical Access Hospital, rural hospital, or community hospital strongly preferred.
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Demonstrated experience in quality improvement, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and strategic planning.
Licensure and Certification
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Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state.
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Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
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Executive nursing certification (NEA-BC, NE-BC, or equivalent) preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Comprehensive knowledge of nursing administration and healthcare operations.
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Strong understanding of Critical Access Hospital regulations and rural healthcare delivery.
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Knowledge of quality improvement methodologies and patient safety principles.
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Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
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Strong financial and operational management abilities.
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Ability to analyze data and use metrics to improve organizational performance.
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Experience leading organizational change and interdisciplinary collaboration.
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Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
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Proficiency with electronic health records and healthcare information systems.
Physical Requirements
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Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
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Ability to respond to emergency situations as needed.
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Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
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Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to perform essential job functions.
Working Conditions
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Work is performed in a hospital and office environment.
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May require occasional evening, weekend, or on-call responsibilities.
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Exposure to infectious diseases and other healthcare-related hazards consistent with hospital operations.
Performance Expectations
The Chief Nursing Officer is expected to:
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Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and service excellence.
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Achieve organizational quality and patient satisfaction goals.
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Maintain regulatory compliance and survey readiness.
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Promote employee engagement and retention.
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Support financial sustainability through effective resource management.
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Advance nursing excellence and evidence-based practice throughout the organization.
