Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

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