Chief Nursing Officer

ScionHealth; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Francis–Emory Healthcare, part of the ScionHealth network in Columbus, GA, seeks a Chief Nursing Officer to provide strategic leadership of nursing standards, regulatory compliance, and performance improvement across the hospital.

The CNO will design clinical programs, manage budgets, and mentor interdisciplinary teams while collaborating with hospital leadership to drive high-quality care and operational excellence.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Ensure continuous, safe, and timely nursing care and services.
• Establish nursing standards and practices compliant with laws and current standards.
• Develop and manage nursing services budget, staffing plans, and resources.
• Lead hospital-wide Performance Improvement initiatives for nursing services.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, evaluation, and development of nursing staff.
• Participate in strategic planning and leadership committees.
• Collaborate with other hospital departments for coordinated patient care.
• Prepare for and participate in regulatory and accreditation surveys.
• Develop and implement orientation and professional development programs for nursing staff.
• Evaluate equipment and supply needs for nursing units.
• Represent the hospital in community and professional forums.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic thinking

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Mentoring

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in nursing

Master's degree (MSN or MHA) preferred

Job description

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