Chief Quality Officer (CQO)

Community Health Systems; Powell (TN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health coverage

401(k) retirement plan

PTO / EIB

Career growth opportunities

Recognition programs

Employee discounts & perks

Job summary

North Knoxville Medical Center is seeking a Chief Quality Officer (CQO) to lead hospital-wide quality improvement and performance initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance with Joint Commission standards and CMS requirements. The CQO will liaise across departments, medical staff, and administration to coordinate performance improvement efforts and drive patient care excellence.

The role includes directing education programs on quality standards, maintaining comprehensive records for regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nursing or healthcare admin or related field.
• Master's degree in public health or healthcare quality preferred.
• 5-7 years direct experience in nursing, quality management or related field.
• 5-7 years progressive nursing leadership experience.
• Working knowledge of JC standards, CMS requirements and DOH regulations.
• 5-7 years clinical nursing at an acute care facility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development and monitoring of the hospital's performance improvement plan.
• Coordinate quality initiatives across departments and administration.
• Chair the performance improvement committee and ensure JC compliance.
• Serve as JC liaison for surveys, applications, and accreditation activities.
• Provide education on quality standards to staff and medical teams.
• Maintain records of quality improvement activities for regulatory reviews.
• Lead JC Task Force for accreditation readiness.
• Coordinate medical staff PI activities with clinical teams.

Skills

Quality improvement

Leadership

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

Master's Degree in Public Health/Healthcare Quality

5-7 years direct nursing quality experience

5-7 years progressive nursing leadership

Regulatory knowledge (JC, CMS, DOH)

Clinical nursing at acute care preferred

Job description

Job Summary

The Chief Quality Officer (CQO) is responsible for leading and coordinating quality improvement and performance initiatives throughout the hospital. The CQO ensures compliance with regulatory standards, including The Joint Commission (JC), and serves as a liaison between hospital departments, medical staff, and administration on all quality-related matters. This role oversees the development, implementation, and monitoring of performance improvement plans, ensuring continuous improvement in patient care and operational excellence.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Competitive Compensation – Salary and benefits package designed to reward your expertise, leadership, and contributions.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options to support you and your family.
• Future Security – 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching to help you build long-term financial stability.
• Generous Paid Time Off – Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) to support work-life balance and personal well-being.
• Career Growth Opportunities – Professional development, leadership training, and advancement opportunities across our organization.
• Recognition & Reward Programs – We celebrate employee achievements and contributions to our success.
• Exclusive Employee Discounts & Perks – Access to special savings and benefits designed for our team members.

Essential Functions

• Oversees the development, coordination, and implementation of the hospital’s performance improvement plan, ensuring alignment with quality and regulatory standards.
• Acts as a quality liaison between all hospital departments, medical staff, performance improvement committees, and administration to ensure a cohesive approach to quality improvement initiatives.
• Chairs the performance improvement committee, leading quality improvement efforts and ensuring compliance with Joint Commission (JC) regulations and other accreditation standards.
• Serves as the primary contact for all JC-related activities, including surveys, applications, and correspondence, ensuring continuous regulatory compliance.
• Provides education to hospital staff and medical teams on quality standards, performance improvement methodologies, and regulatory updates.
• Develops and conducts in-service education programs to enhance staff knowledge of quality improvement and regulatory standards, including OSHA, CDC, and JC requirements.
• Maintains complete records of all performance improvement activities and ensures accurate documentation for regulatory reviews.
• Updates hospital staff on changes to regulatory standards and ensures timely communication of new quality initiatives.
• Acts as a resource to all departments on quality and performance improvement matters, providing guidance and support for quality-related challenges.
• Leads the JC Task Force to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements and prepares the hospital for accreditation surveys.
• Coordinates medical staff performance improvement activities, working closely with clinical teams to enhance patient outcomes.
• Reviews and disseminates updated information from professional journals, ensuring staff have access to the latest developments in quality and performance improvement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related field required
• Master's Degree in Public Health, Healthcare Quality, or related field preferred
• 5-7 years of direct experience in nursing, quality management, performance improvement, or a related field required
• 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in nursing, quality management, performance improvement, or a related field required
• Working knowledge of general hospital operations, JC standards, CMS requirements, and DOH regulations required
• 5-7 years of clinical nursing experience at an acute care facility preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of quality improvement methodologies, regulatory compliance, and accreditation standards, including Joint Commission (JC).
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and with medical staff.
• Experience in data analysis, performance metrics, and the development of quality improvement initiatives.
• Proficient in healthcare regulations and compliance, with a focus on patient safety and performance improvement.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
• CPHQ - Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality preferred
• unless hired prior to July 1, 2026

Why Work at North Knoxville Medical Center?

AtNorth Knoxville Medical Center, we’re more than healthcare providers, we’re a team dedicated to compassionate care and community wellness. Join us for a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of our patients every day. Your skills, your passion, and your commitment matter here.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer.

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