Job Description

The VP of Nursing, CNO for the Kentucky Region provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for nursing services across multiple campuses within Deaconess Health System. This executive leader is responsible for advancing nursing excellence, improving patient outcomes, supporting workforce engagement, and ensuring high-quality, compassionate patient care.

The CNO partners with executive leadership, physicians, and clinical teams to lead nursing strategy, operational performance, quality initiatives, and professional practice standards while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee nursing operations across the Kentucky region
• Establish and maintain high standards for nursing practice and patient care
• Drive quality improvement, patient safety, and patient experience initiatives
• Support and maintain Magnet designation efforts for nursing excellence
• Develop and implement strategic plans for nursing services and workforce development
• Partner with operational and physician leaders to improve care delivery across campuses
• Oversee nursing budgets, staffing strategies, and operational efficiencies
• Ensure compliance with all applicable healthcare regulations and accreditation standards
• Mentor and develop nursing leaders and promote professional nursing practice
• Represent the organization in community partnerships, boards, and professional organizations

Qualifications:

Education

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) required
• Doctoral degree in Nursing or related field preferred

Experience

• Minimum three years of progressive nursing leadership experience at the director or executive level
• Multi-site or health system leadership experience preferred
• Demonstrated success leading operational, quality, and workforce initiatives

Licensure & Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in applicable state required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within six months of hire
• Nurse Executive Board Certification (NE-BC) preferred or obtained within two years of hire

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Expertise in nursing operations, patient care standards, and regulatory compliance
• Financial and operational management experience
• Ability to lead change and drive organizational improvement
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving abilities
• Experience developing high-performing teams and collaborative cultures
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and healthcare information systems