Chief Nursing Officer

AMN Healthcare Leadership Solutions | B.E. Smith; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Nashville General Hospital is seeking a Chief Nursing Officer to direct strategic direction, clinical quality, and operations across nursing services. The CNO will advocate for nursing practice, uphold patient care standards, and foster a culture of safety and accountability.

The role oversees Core Clinical Operations, inpatient units, perioperative services, care transitions, and nursing education, while partnering with Meharry Medical College to advance nursing education and practice.

Qualifications

• BSN required; advanced degree in nursing administration or related field preferred.
• Active RN license in Tennessee required.
• Certification in Nursing Administration or Executive Leadership required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all inpatient nursing units and operational nursing care.
• Drive clinical quality, patient safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with Meharry Medical College to advance nursing education and practice.
• Lead workforce planning, staffing, and professional development.

Skills

Nursing leadership

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Quality improvement

Staff development

Education

BSN degree

MSN/MHA/MBA

DNP/PhD preferred

Job description

Nashville, TN

Nashville General Hospital (NGH), Nashville’s publicly owned essential hospital, plays a vital role in caring for the city’s most vulnerable populations while serving as a teaching hospital in partnership with Meharry Medical College. The institution carries deep historical significance and public visibility, operating with a strong civic mandate in one of the fastest growing and most competitive healthcare markets in the country. For more than a century, NGH has served as a beacon of care, compassion, and accessibility for the people of Nashville. As the city’s essential hospital, NGH is committed to providing outstanding, comprehensive care to every patient—regardless of background or circumstance. With a focus on health equity, patient safety, and community well-being, NGH continues to earn the trust of generations. More recently, for the second consecutive time, NGH has earned an "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for Spring 2025, recognizing the hospital’s continued excellence in protecting patients from preventable harm and delivering safe, high-quality care. NGH also ranks Top 10 in the State of Tennessee for Health Equity and Inclusion. This award was given by the Lown Hospital Institute honoring general hospital public safety for income, racial and Health education inclusivity.

Job Description & Requirements

Chief Nursing Officer

Start Date: ASAP

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is the senior executive responsible for the strategic direction, clinical quality, and operational oversight of all nursing services at Nashville General Hospital. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CNO is the primary advocate for nursing practice and is accountable for establishing and maintaining the highest standards of patient care. The CNO provides visionary leadership to foster a culture of clinical excellence, compassion, and continuous improvement. This role is responsible for a broad portfolio of departments, including all inpatient nursing units, Core Clinical Operations, Emergency Services, Perioperative Services, Care Transitions & Patient Throughput, Nursing Education, Nursing Quality Safety & Regulatory Compliance, and works in close collaboration with Meharry Medical College to advance nursing practice and education. The CNO will advance nursing excellence by establishing a professional practice and shared governance environment grounded in evidence-based care, clinical inquiry, patient and family engagement, ethical practice, and a strong culture of safety and accountability. The role drives measurable improvements in quality, patient outcomes, and experience while providing executive oversight of nursing operations, financial resources, workforce planning, staffing, care coordination, clinical technology, and regulatory compliance. The CNO also builds and sustains a highly engaged nursing workforce through recruitment, retention, leadership development, succession planning, career pathways, education, competency management, and mentorship, while promoting research, innovation, and continuous professional growth. In collaboration with Meharry Medical College and other academic partners, the CNO strengthens nursing education and interprofessional learning through student clinical placements, resident collaboration, and other initiatives that support the development of future healthcare professionals.

Qualifications (Including, But Not Limited To)

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree required
• Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN), Healthcare Administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA), or a related field, required
• Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA), or related field (Ph.D.), preferred
• Required: Active, unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Tennessee.
• Required: Certification in Nursing Administration or Executive Leadership (e.g., NEA-BC, FACHE)

About the Location

Nashville, Tennessee, known as "Music City," is also the state capital, long famous for its vibrant music scene, from historic venues like the Bluebird Cafe to the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium. The Grand Old Opry is the world’s longest running live radio show, famous for showcasing country music stars and legends. The city hosts a booming economy in business, healthcare and of course tourism. There is plenty to see and do as the city is home to many major sports teams: NFL’s Titans, NHL’s Predators and MLS’s Nashville SC. Places to see include The Hermitage and the full-scale replica of the Parthenon.