Chief Nursing Officer

Oregon State Hospital - Chief Nursing Officer Job Description

Company Overview


The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is committed to improving lifelong health for all Oregonians through partnership, prevention, and access to quality, affordable care. Oregon State Hospital (OSH), a Joint Commission-accredited and CMS-certified public psychiatric hospital, operates campuses in Salem and Junction City. OSH plays a critical role in Oregon's behavioral health system, providing evidence-based treatment to adults committed by the courts.


Why Join?


If you are a mission-driven nursing executive ready to lead transformational change, the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) role at OSH offers an unparalleled opportunity. With over 1,200 nursing staff under your influence, a seat on the Executive Team, and a powerful mandate to improve care, safety, and culture, you'll shape the future of psychiatric nursing in Oregon.


As Chief Nursing Officer, you'll direct strategic nursing operations, build workforce capability, and drive regulatory excellence-all while upholding a recovery-focused, trauma-informed model of care. You'll have a statewide impact, a clear line of sight to patients and staff, and the support of a collaborative executive cabinet dedicated to safety, equity, and accountability. With Oregon's stunning landscapes, welcoming communities, and emphasis on quality of life, this position offers professional fulfillment and personal balance. This is more than a job-it's a legacy-defining leadership opportunity.


OSH Vision


A psychiatric hospital that inspires hope, promotes safety, and supports recovery for all


OSH Values


Humanity, Equity, Wellness, Partnership, Transparency, Performance Excellence


Job Summary


As Chief Nursing Officer, you will serve as OSH's top nursing executive, reporting directly to the Superintendent and participating as a key leader on the hospital's Executive Team. You will oversee all nursing services and assigned support departments across both campuses, guiding the delivery of safe, therapeutic, and recovery-oriented care.


You will shape policies, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards while fostering professional development, accountability, and collaboration. You will also partner with medical, clinical, and therapeutic leaders to elevate care models and align practice with OSH's vision and values.


Your Mission: Lead the Culture of Care

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Unencumbered RN license in the state of Oregon
• Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field
• 10+ years of progressive nursing leadership, including oversight of large hospital systems
• Deep understanding of regulatory, fiscal, and workforce challenges in psychiatric settings
• Track record of transformational leadership, strategic planning, and culture change

Position Scope & Structure

• Reports to: Superintendent of Oregon State Hospital
• Direct Reports: 4 senior leaders, including Nursing Directors and Education Services
• Total Staff Oversight: 1,200+ FTE across two campuses
• Worksite: Full-time, in-person across Salem and Junction City campuses with occasional travel
• Environment: Secure clinical and administrative settings requiring flexibility and resilience

Inspire Clinical Excellence (60%)

• Provide executive direction to all nursing and assigned clinical support operations
• Ensure compliance with the Nurse Practice Act, CMS, Joint Commission, and ANA standards
• Embed trauma-informed, evidence-based practices across care units
• Shape policy and practice through a lens of recovery, equity, and patient-centered care

• Build interdisciplinary collaboration across departments to deliver active, accountable treatment
• Lead strategic planning efforts to meet evolving psychiatric care needs and best practices

Empower the Nursing Workforce (30%)

• Hire, mentor, and evaluate leadership across nursing management and clinical education
• Oversee performance management, goal setting, and professional development
• Foster a culture of learning, transparency, and excellence across 1,200+ nursing staff
• Promote inclusive recruitment, training, and retention strategies that advance OHA's Equity Plan
• Establish cross-campus systems for consistency in nursing care delivery and expectations

Steward Resources with Integrity (10%)

• Develop and manage nursing department budgets in partnership with the CFO
• Optimize efficiency, reduce expenses, and align financial decisions with hospital goals
• Forecast resource and workforce needs based on patient trends and performance data

Cultural Competency & Organizational Leadership


You will model and lead culturally responsive, trauma-informed care, ensuring nursing practices reflect the diversity of Oregon's communities. As CNO, you are a primary driver in building equitable systems, uplifting underserved populations, and fostering a respectful, inclusive workforce.


Become the Nurse Executive Who Transforms Psychiatric Care in Oregon


Are you ready to step into a role where your leadership can uplift thousands of lives and define the future of behavioral healthcare? Oregon State Hospital invites you to bring your compassion, vision, and resilience to lead one of the most vital nursing departments in the Pacific Northwest.


Apply today and help lead OSH into a new era of excellence, accountability, and hope.