Job DescriptionThe RoleReporting directly to the Ministry Chief Executive and operating in a matrixed relationship with the Regional Chief Clinical Executive, the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) serves as the senior executive leader accountable for the Professional Nursing Practice across the ministry. The CNO provides strategic, clinical, and operational leadership to ensure nursing services are fully aligned with the Providence St. Joseph Health (PSJH) Nursing Strategic Plan, organizational performance priorities, and the mission of whole-person care.
The CNO holds executive responsibility for the development, approval, and implementation of nursing policies, procedures, standards of practice, staffing models, and care delivery systems. This role ensures nursing services are integrated into the ministry's performance improvement framework, advancing quality, safety, caregiver engagement, fiscal stewardship, and patient experience.
As a key member of the Hospital Executive Leadership Team, the CNO works collaboratively across departments, partners closely with medical staff and interdisciplinary leaders, engages with the Community Ministry Board, and represents nursing and the organization to internal and external stakeholders. With a continuous focus on quality, workforce wellbeing, and patient safety, the CNO creates sustainable systems of care that support patient acuity, productivity targets, and effective use of resources across the continuum.
What You'll DoStrategic & Clinical Leadership- Provide executive oversight of professional nursing practice, ensuring excellence, consistency, and alignment with evidence-based standards.
- Establish and sustain care delivery systems that promote quality outcomes, patient safety, and whole-person care.
- Lead the integration of nursing services into organizational strategy, quality initiatives, and performance improvement plans.
Transformational Leadership & Culture- Foster a culture of shared decision-making, professional accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Mentor, develop, and inspire current and emerging nurse leaders, establishing succession planning and leadership development pathways.
- Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care throughout nursing practice.
Operational Excellence & Safety- Direct staffing models, workforce planning, and resource allocation based on patient acuity and care needs.
- Champion a Just Culture, high-reliability principles, and proactive identification of clinical risk.
- Monitor and improve nurse-sensitive outcomes, caregiver engagement, and patient satisfaction metrics.
Governance & External Engagement- Serve as a key advisor and representative to governing boards, academic partners, professional organizations, and the broader community.
- Advance nursing research, academic partnerships, and evidence translation into practice.
- Advocate for patient care and nursing perspectives at organizational, community, and legislative levels.
Business & Financial Stewardship- Lead nursing operating and capital budgets with accountability and strategic foresight.
- Interpret financial and operational data to guide decision-making, performance management, and value-based care strategies.
- Partner in the prioritization and adoption of information systems and enabling technologies that support nursing practice and clinical decision-making.
What You'll BringEducation & Licensure- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (required)
- Master's Degree in Nursing or related field (Health Administration, Business, Public Health, or Management)
- Ph.D. in Nursing (preferred)
- Active California Registered Nurse License (required upon hire)
- Within 30 days of hire: California Fire and Life Safety Card (Vendor-Managed)
Experience & Expertise- Minimum of 5 years of executive-level nursing leadership experience in an acute care environment
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience
- Deep working knowledge of clinical practice standards, nursing regulations, healthcare economics, workforce management, and performance improvement
- Demonstrated success leading in complex, matrixed, multi-entity healthcare organizations
Leadership Strengths- Exceptional communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
- Proven servant leadership aligned with PSJH's mission and values
- Strong systems thinking and ability to lead transformational change
- Ability to articulate and operationalize Magnet® standards and expectations
- Willingness and ability to travel across the ministry and community
Ready to Shape the Future of Healthcare?If you are a visionary nursing leader committed to excellence, compassion, and innovation, we invite you to apply. Step into this pivotal role and help define the future of professional nursing practice while advancing exceptional care for the communities we serve.
The full pay range is listed in accordance with applicable law. Final compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, organizational compensation alignment, and the approved hiring department budget for the position. This position may also be eligible for incentive compensation and benefits.
At Providence we believe in the importance of human connection and the impact of in-person collaboration towards team cohesion and caregiver engagement. Further, we want our leaders to live in or near the communities we serve.
Posted are the minimum and the maximum wage rates on the wage range for this position. The successful candidate's placement on the wage range for this position will be determined based upon relevant job experience and other applicable factors. These amounts are the base pay range; additional compensation may be available for this role, such as shift differentials, standby/on-call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities.
Providence offers a comprehensive benefits package including a retirement 401(k) Savings Plan with employer matching, health care benefits (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, disability insurance, time off benefits (paid parental leave, vacations, holidays, health issues), voluntary benefits, well-being resources and much more. Learn more at providence.jobs/benefits.
