Chief Nursing Officer

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