Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

Lifepoint Health®; Apex (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifepoint Health is seeking a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) to provide strategic and operational leadership for the nursing department at our rehabilitation hospital. You will drive high-quality patient care, regulatory compliance, fiscal stewardship, and staff development to support exceptional outcomes.

The CNO will lead budgeting, staffing plans, ensure accurate documentation, promote rehabilitation nursing philosophy, and collaborate across disciplines to advance quality, safety, and patient

Qualifications

• Minimum five years in healthcare administration/management.
• At least two years in senior nursing leadership.
• Hospital management experience in inpatient, acute care setting.

Responsibilities

• Ensure nursing staff delivers high-quality patient care in a safe environment.
• Develop and manage the nursing department budget in collaboration with executive leadership.
• Oversee staffing plans, monitor staffing metrics, and uphold nursing performance standards.
• Promote rehabilitation nursing philosophy and support professional development (CRRN preferred).
• Analyze quality indicators and patient outcomes to drive performance improvement; share findings with staff.
• Lead recruitment, hiring, evaluation, and counseling of nursing personnel.
• Ensure medical records reflect accurate, complete, and timely documentation including care plans.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Budget management

Education

Master's degree

BSN

CRRN certification (preferred)

Job description

Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Position Summary

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the nursing department. This role ensures high-quality patient care, regulatory compliance, fiscal management, and nursing staff development within a rehabilitation hospital setting.

Essential Functions

• Ensure nursing staff performs all aspects of patient care in a safe, high-quality environment that minimizes risk and error.
• Develop and manage the nursing department budget in collaboration with the CEO and Controller, including oversight of personnel, equipment, and supply costs.
• Manage staffing plans, monitor nursing hours per patient day, and uphold nursing performance standards.
• Promote rehabilitation nursing philosophy and support professional development, including CRRN certification for eligible nurses.
• Analyze risk and quality indicators, patient satisfaction, and outcomes to drive continuous performance improvement; share findings with nursing staff.
• Lead management activities such as hiring, interviewing, evaluating, and counseling nursing personnel.
• Ensure medical records reflect accurate, complete, and timely documentation, including documentation of medical necessity and interdisciplinary care plans.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Information

Demonstrates executive-level leadership in nursing operations and patient care strategy.

Collaborates effectively across disciplines to support quality, safety, and staffing initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required.

Education

Master's degree preferred and/or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with a plan to complete a master's degree in healthcare administration, business, or clinical specialty.

Experience

Minimum of five years of experience in healthcare administration/management, including at least two years in senior nursing leadership. Minimum five years of hospital management experience in an inpatient, acute care setting.

License

Current unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license required.

Certifications

Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) preferred or must be obtained within two years of hire.