What does a Chief Nursing Officer do?
A Chief Nursing Officer operates on the administrative side of a medical organization. They typically do not provide patient care directly, but they are a licensed nurse. Instead, a Chief Nursing Officer focuses on leading the nursing team while setting standards for care. In this way, they still have a significant impact on patient well-being.
A Chief Nursing Officer collaborates frequently with nurses and high-level managers to shape a facility’s care practices. They often act as a representative for nurses as a whole, ensuring the group is given a voice. Administrative work is also a key part of a Chief Nursing Officer’s everyday duties. This means monitoring departmental budgets, hiring staff and maintaining the facility’s compliance with all regulations.
Chief Nursing Officer skills and qualifications
A successful Chief Nursing Officer needs a variety of skills to be a good leader and keep up with the role’s administrative demands. Some essential qualifications include:
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills
- An innovative and open-minded perspective
- A knack for leadership and interpersonal relationships
- A dedication to learning and improving
- The ability to make difficult decisions while employing good judgment
- Multitasking skills that don’t sacrifice attention to detail
- Flexibility and focus while under pressure
Chief Nursing Officer experience requirements
Finding a quality Chief Nursing Officer means identifying candidates with the right experience. Because this is a leadership position, it requires prior experience in a high-level nursing role, such as a Nurse Manager or Nursing Supervisor. At least three years in such a role is recommended to gain the necessary skills.
A background in administrative work is also a plus when it comes to CNOs. Prior experience in positions like Director of Nursing may give candidates a greater understanding of the managerial side of the job. Additionally, a history of hands-on clinical experience can also translate into more effective leadership.
Chief Nursing Officer education and training requirements
When crafting a CNO job description, there are several education requirements to keep in mind. Most Chief Nursing Officers hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, but it’s common for them to go beyond this to earn a Master of Science in Nursing or even a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
CNOs must also have a license to practice nursing. While requirements may vary by state, this typically means passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). If the candidate has an advanced degree, they may pursue a different license as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Both forms of licensure can give a candidate the clinical training they need to be successful as a CNO.
Chief Nursing Officer salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Chief Nursing Officer is $140,063 per year. However, this figure may vary. Factors like location, experience level and the company itself can all influence the value of the offered salary.
Chief Nursing Officer salary expectations
-
Common salary:
169699.45 YEARLY -
Typical salaries range from
38000.00 -396000.00 YEARLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
Depending on the position you want to fill, this Chief Nursing Officer job description may not have all the information you need. The following samples might be what you’re looking for:
Chief Nursing Officer job description FAQs
What’s the difference between a Chief Nursing Officer and a Director of Nursing?
A Chief Nursing Officer places much of their focus on department-wide performance by developing patient care policies that enhance safety and efficiency. In comparison, a Director of Nursing spends most of their time on personnel management.
What is a Chief Nursing Officer’s schedule like?
Because a CNO’s duties include many administrative tasks, their schedule often resembles a standard 40-hour work week. With that said, it’s not unusual for them to work irregular shifts, including evenings and weekends. When creating a CNO job description, consider stating your flexibility level regarding scheduling.
Who does a Chief Nursing Officer report to?
Typically, a CNO will report to the President or Chief Executive Officer of the organization. However, if the organization also employs a Chief Nurse Executive, the CNO may report to them.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
