Chief Nursing Officer

Children's Wisconsin | Executive Leadership Opportunity

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 acumen
• 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

Interested candidates should apply through our executive search partner, Korn Ferry.

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.