Chief Nursing Officer

CHS Children's Hospital and Health System, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 210,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Children’s Wisconsin is seeking a dynamic Chief Nursing Officer to lead nursing practice across our integrated health system. The CNO will partner with the CEO’s senior leadership to elevate quality, safety, and patient outcomes while fostering collaboration and caregiver well‑being.

With 10+ years of nursing leadership and an NE‑BC/NEA‑BC certification, you will guide workforce strategy, governance, and interdisciplinary care initiatives in a nationally recognized pediatric system committed to

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive nursing leadership experience.
• Master’s degree required; BSN if not in nursing.
• Wisconsin RN license (or eligible to obtain).
• Nurse Executive certification (NE-BC or NEA-BC).
• Proven ability to lead change and influence at the executive level.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for nursing practice across the system.
• Drive excellence in patient care, quality, safety and experience.
• Lead Magnet-focused initiatives and support shared governance.
• Build and develop a high-performing nursing leadership team.
• Strengthen workforce strategies, including recruitment, retention and development.
• Partner with physicians and executives to advance interdisciplinary care.
• Align nursing operations with organizational goals and financial performance.
• Oversee nursing standards, policies, research and advanced practice providers.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational acumen

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Relationship building

Change leadership

Education

Master’s degree in nursing or related field

BSN required if not in nursing

Job description

At Children’s Wisconsin, we believe kids deserve the best. Children’s Wisconsin is a nationally recognized health system dedicated solely to the health and well‑being of children. We provide primary care, specialty care, urgent care, emergency care, community health services, foster and adoption services, child and family counseling, child advocacy services and family resource centers. Our reputation draws patients and families from around the country. We offer a wide variety of rewarding career opportunities and are seeking individuals dedicated to helping us achieve our vision of the healthiest kids in the country.

Executive Leadership Opportunity

Work here. Change lives.

Children’s Wisconsin is seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) to lead nursing practice across our integrated health system. This is a highly visible executive role responsible for advancing clinical excellence, strengthening professional practice, and shaping the future of nursing care delivery. The CNO, as part of the Children’s Wisconsin CEO’s senior leadership team, reports to the President and COO of Children’s Wisconsin Hospitals. The CNO partners across the organization to elevate quality, safety, and patient outcomes while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and caregiver well‑being.

What You’ll Do

• Provide strategic leadership for nursing practice across the system
• Drive excellence in patient care, quality, safety, and experience
• Lead Magnet-focused initiatives and support shared governance
• Build and develop a high-performing nursing leadership team
• Strengthen workforce strategies, including recruitment, retention, and development
• Partner with physicians and executive leaders to advance interdisciplinary care
• Align nursing operations with organizational goals, financial performance, and industry trends
• Oversee nursing standards, policies, research, and advanced practice providers

What You Bring

• 10+ years of progressive nursing leadership experience
• Master’s degree required (nursing or related field; BSN required if not in nursing)
• Current Wisconsin RN license (or obtain upon accepted offer if hired)
• Nurse Executive certification (NE-BC or NEA-BC)
• Strong strategic, operational, and financial acumenli>
• Proven ability to lead change, drive results, and influence at the executive level
• Experience in Magnet-designated or high-performing health systems preferred
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills

Why Children’s Wisconsin

• Nationally recognized pediatric health system
• Commitment to innovation, quality, and patient‑centered care
• Strong culture of collaboration and professional growth
• Opportunity to shape the future of nursing at a leading organization

Children’s Wisconsin is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We treat everyone with dignity, respect, and fairness. We do not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status or condition protected by the law.

Certifications/Licenses

• License RN-Registered Nurse (30) - State of Wisconsin Dedicated solely to the health and well‑being of children

We are the region's only independent healthcare system dedicated solely to the health and well‑being of children. In Milwaukee and throughout the state, we provide kids and their families a wide range of care and support, everything from routine care for ear aches or sore throats to life saving advances and treatment options. Our academic partner, The Medical College of Wisconsin, brings many of the nation's most well‑respected doctors to our team. Together we work to ensure that every child and family we serve receives nothing but the best. Learn more about our affiliation with the Medical College of Wisconsin and the power of academic medicine.