Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Gainesville Campus

Job Category: Executive Leadership

Work Shift/Schedule: 8 Hr Morning - Afternoon

Northeast Georgia Health System is rooted in a foundation of improving the health of our communities.

About the Role

Chief Nursing Officer - Gainesville

Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Full-Time | Executive Leadership

Northeast Georgia Health System is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for our Gainesville campus. This is a highly visible, strategic leadership role responsible for the overall direction, operations, and performance of nursing and clinical services. The Gainesville CNO serves as a key member of the NGMC leadership team and plays an essential role in advancing nursing practice, improving patient outcomes, strengthening team engagement, and supporting the organization's mission to improve the health of our communities.

This leader will drive operational excellence, champion evidence-based practice, and ensure delivery of high-quality, safe patient care across all nursing departments. The CNO will work closely with the System Chief Nurse Executive and partner with clinical, medical, and operational leaders across NGHS to support an integrated, collaborative approach to patient care.

What You'll Do

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Provide vision and strategic direction for nursing operations, aligning goals with NGHS strategies and priorities.
• Develop and execute an annual nursing strategic plan in partnership with the System CNE.
• Lead strategic, financial, and operational planning activities for Gainesville nursing services.
• Identify growth opportunities, market trends, and competitive insights to strengthen nursing services.

Nursing Operations & Patient Care Excellence

• Oversee day-to-day nursing operations, ensuring efficient patient flow and staffing management.
• Maintain nursing standards of care and ensure delivery of high-quality, evidence-based clinical services.
• Drive improvements in capacity, throughput, patient safety, and clinical outcomes.
• Collaborate with physicians and service line leaders on care pathways and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support Professional Nursing Governance and model excellence in nursing leadership.

Financial & Resource Management

• Ensure cost-effective use of human and material resources.
• Partner with finance and analytics teams to evaluate performance, market share, and opportunities.
• Achieve benchmark clinical, financial, and operational outcomes.
• Lead budgeting processes for nursing and hospital operational services.

Compliance & Regulatory Excellence

• Ensure compliance with accreditation, licensing, and regulatory standards.
• Develop, implement, and update policies and procedures that support safe, high-quality care.
• Oversee required reporting, documentation, and performance evaluations.

Leadership, Culture, & Team Development

• Foster strong relationships with nurse leaders, physicians, team members, patients, and families.
• Promote professional development, engagement, and a culture of collaboration.
• Serve as an active member of the NGMC leadership team and champion a positive patient experience.

What You Bring

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensed RN in the state of Georgia.
• BSN or MSN required. If BSN is held, a master's degree in nursing or another field is required.
• National certification in a clinical or leadership specialty (or ability to obtain within two years).
• Minimum 10 years of professional nursing experience.
• At least 5 years of progressive nursing leadership experience.
• Membership in a professional nursing organization within one month of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership experience in professional nursing organizations (local, state, or national).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate patient care activities.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to build teams and drive results.
• Ability to coach, develop, and collaborate effectively with others.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift or carry up to 20 lbs. occasionally.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, pushing, and pulling.
• High work intensity; requires strong reasoning, communication, and computer skills.
• Some driving may be required.

Why Join NGHS?

Northeast Georgia Health System is deeply committed to advancing nursing excellence and is actively progressing on our Magnet(r) Journey . Our work toward Magnet recognition reflects our dedication to shared governance, evidence-based practice, and a professional environment where nurses are empowered to lead, innovate, and elevate patient care.

As the Chief Nursing Officer for our Gainesville campus, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening the structures, processes, and culture that support our Magnet journey. Your leadership will help advance transformational leadership, exemplary professional practice, and nursing innovation as we work toward achieving this prestigious recognition.

Your Leadership Makes an Impact

At NGHS, you will join a collaborative and mission-driven executive team that values professional excellence, continuous learning, and a culture where nurses can thrive. You will have the support, influence, and resources to build high-performing teams, drive best practices, and lead system-wide initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and the nursing experience.

NGHS: Opportunities start here.

Working at NGHS means being part of something special: a team invested in you as a person, an employee, and in helping you reach your goals.

Northeast Georgia Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.