Chief Nursing Officer

Ascension; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Employer-matched 403(b) retirement

Paid time off (PTO) and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Parental leave

Disability and life insurance

Transit savings and more

Job summary

Ascension is seeking a senior nursing leader to oversee nursing practice, education, research, and administration across services. The role requires strong leadership to drive strategies, improve patient outcomes, and align with organizational goals.

Qualified candidates will have a master's degree, RN licensure in Wisconsin or compact state, and nursing leadership credentials preferred. The position emphasizes budget oversight, policy development, and workforce development.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• RN license in Wisconsin or multi-state license (compact) accepted.
• Nurse Executive credentials (AACN/ANCC) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to management within areas of responsibility.
• Oversee development and continuous improvement of services, policies, processes, and programs.
• Formulate and implement operational strategies and initiatives.
• Oversee operations, budget, financial targets, and human resources management.

Skills

Nurse Leadership

Strategic Planning

Operations Management

Staff Development

Education

Master's Degree

Job description

Your future role at a glance

Oversee the overall management of nursing practice, nursing education and professional development, nursing research, nursing administration and nursing services.

How you’ll make an impact in this role

• Provide leadership to management within areas of responsibility.
• Oversee the development and continuous improvement of services, policies, processes, and programs.
• Formulate and implement operational strategies and initiatives.
• Oversee operations, budget, financial targets, and human resources management.

What Minimum Requirements You’ll Need

Licensure / Certification / Registration:

• Registered Nurse credentialed from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date required. Licensure from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing OR current home state license if considered multi-state/Compact State.
• Nurse Executive credentialed from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) preferred.
• Nurse Executive credentialed from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) preferred.

Education

• Master's degree required.

Work Experience

• 5 years of experience required.
• 10 years of experience preferred.
• 2 years of leadership or management experience required.
• 5 years of leadership or management experience preferred.

Additional Preferences

• Transformational Nursing Leadership: Demonstrated ability to advance professional nursing practice, integrate evidence-based care, and lead strategic initiatives that improve quality, patient safety, and clinical outcomes across the organization.
• Operational Excellence & Accountability: Proven success driving operational performance through disciplined execution, measurable results, and a culture of accountability aligned with nursing standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational goals.
• Culture & Talent Development: Experienced in fostering a highly engaged, inclusive culture that balances support with high expectations while strengthening recruitment, onboarding, retention, succession planning, and leadership development, including new graduate nurse and emerging leader programs.
• Strategic Change Leadership: Skilled at leading complex organizational change, building leadership capability, and ensuring accountability for strategic priorities, cross-functional initiatives, and continuous performance improvement.
• Executive Partnership & Influence: Collaborative executive with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills who effectively partners with physicians, executive leaders, and the Board to advance the organization's mission, vision, and strategic objectives.

#le@der

Benefits that help you thrive

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
• Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
• Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
• Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
• Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
• Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

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