Chief Nursing Officer

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Francis–Emory Healthcare in Columbus, GA seeks a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) to provide strategic leadership across nursing operations, ensuring high-quality, compassionate care and regulatory compliance.

The CNO will oversee staffing, budgets, performance improvement, policy development, education and professional development, and collaborate with hospital leadership to drive outcomes and operational performance in a busy community hospital.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing is required.
• Master’s degree preferred (MSN or MHA).
• Active RN license and licensure requirements met per facility policy.

Responsibilities

• Ensures nursing services are safe, timely, and compliant with regulations.
• Oversees nursing standards, budgets, staffing plans, and resource allocation.
• Leads Performance Improvement initiatives related to nursing services.
• Oversees recruitment, evaluation, and development of nursing staff.
• Participates in strategic planning and leadership committees.
• Represents the hospital in regulatory, accreditation, and community forums.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Mentorship

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing

Master’s degree (MSN or MHA preferred)

Job 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 staffEvaluates 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