Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

A respected acute care hospital in the Houston area is seeking a visionary and experienced Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) to lead its nursing strategy and clinical operations. This executive role offers the opportunity to guide nursing services within a dynamic healthcare environment that includes a Level II Trauma Center, Level III NICU, and a wide range of specialty programs.

Hospital Overview:

• Approximately 200 staffed beds with capacity for over 700
• Designated Level II Trauma Center with helipad
• Level III NICU and Maternal Care Designations
• Over 600 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs)
• Accredited and recognized for clinical excellence across multiple service lines

Key Certifications and Accreditations:

• DNV Primary Stroke Center Certification
• Bariatric Center of Excellence
• Hand Trauma Program
• Chest Pain Center v7 with Primary PCI Accreditation
• ACS Diamond Recognition

Position Summary:

The Chief Nursing Officer is responsible for the overall strategic direction, coordination, and evaluation of nursing services. This includes promoting high standards of patient care, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and staff engagement across all nursing departments. The CNO plays a critical role in fostering a culture of clinical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide executive leadership and direction to nursing and patient care services
• Align nursing goals with organizational mission, vision, and strategic priorities
• Ensure compliance with accrediting and regulatory agencies
• Lead initiatives to improve clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and nurse retention
• Mentor and develop nurse leaders across departments
• Collaborate with executive team members on operational planning and performance

Qualifications:

• Active RN license in the state of Texas (or compact eligible)
• Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related field required
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive nursing leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior/executive role
• Demonstrated success in leading complex hospital operations, regulatory readiness, and quality initiatives
• Strong understanding of trauma services, maternal-child health, and surgical/medical inpatient care

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for a mission-driven nurse executive ready to shape the future of nursing in a diverse and high-acuity healthcare setting.