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How to hire a chief nursing officer

Chief nursing officer hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring chief nursing officers in the United States:

  • There are a total of 41,447 chief nursing officers in the US, and there are currently 107,336 job openings in this field.
  • The median cost to hire a chief nursing officer is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per chief nursing officer on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Portland, OR, has the highest demand for chief nursing officers, with 13 job openings.

How to hire a chief nursing officer, step by step

To hire a chief nursing officer, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a chief nursing officer, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step chief nursing officer hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a chief nursing officer job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new chief nursing officer
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a chief nursing officer do?

A Chief Nursing Officer supervises nurses and nurse managers, recommends strategies to improve services, and establishes goals for a healthcare facility. They ensure that operations comply with established standards and regulations, as well as prepare and supervise business reports, including annual budgets.

Learn more about the specifics of what a chief nursing officer does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you start hiring a chief nursing officer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A chief nursing officer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, chief nursing officers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list shows salaries for various types of chief nursing officers.

    Type of Chief Nursing OfficerDescriptionHourly rate
    Chief Nursing OfficerMedical and health services managers, also called healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They might manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians... Show more$34-72
    Interim DirectorAn interim director is responsible for supporting business operations, organizing training, as well as specific department programs for staff to maximize their productivity and improve optimal performance to meet project deliverables and achieve client satisfaction. Interim directors coordinate with the management and board executives on corporate decisions, implementing company guidelines and procedures, and identifying business opportunities to generate more revenues and profitability... Show more$31-77
    Managed Care DirectorA managed care director is responsible for providing quality care services for the patients by supervising clinical operations and managing medical staff. Managed care directors review all the medical activities in the institution and disseminate communications across the organization... Show more$25-64
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Patients
    • CNO
    • Rehabilitation
    • Patient Safety
    • Performance Improvement
    • Quality Care
    • Customer Service
    • Patient Care
    • Quality Improvement
    • Employee Engagement
    • Oversight
    • Health System
    • Infection Control
    • Executive Leadership
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Achieve regional goals including POS cash collections, registration accuracy, and denials.
    • Lead the spread of this work on transforming care through evidenced-base healthcare teamwork strategies and tactics.
    • Complete comprehensive assessments for all LTC residents which include managing falls, pain, skin integrity, and medications.
    • Incorporate evidence-based care into practice environment to ensure high quality care for patients and their families.
    • Restructure and redevelopment of the outpatient wind care program through temporary oversight toward operation of a successful program.
    • Provide direct supervision and teaching of RN, LVN, and HHA staff.
    More chief nursing officer duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your chief nursing officer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A chief nursing officer can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, chief nursing officers' average salary in hawaii is 42% less than in oregon.
    • Seniority. Entry-level chief nursing officers 53% less than senior-level chief nursing officers.
    • Certifications. A chief nursing officer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a chief nursing officer's salary.

    Average chief nursing officer salary

    $104,466yearly

    $50.22 hourly rate

    Entry-level chief nursing officer salary
    $71,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 16, 2025

    Average chief nursing officer salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$123,480$59
    2New Jersey$118,009$57
    3New York$117,990$57
    4Oregon$117,077$56
    5Massachusetts$117,040$56
    6District of Columbia$115,925$56
    7Nevada$115,905$56
    8West Virginia$111,005$53
    9Texas$107,185$52
    10Minnesota$103,142$50
    11Missouri$102,490$49
    12Oklahoma$101,468$49
    13South Carolina$98,646$47
    14Arizona$98,431$47
    15Indiana$98,335$47
    16Iowa$96,290$46
    17Wisconsin$96,111$46
    18Colorado$94,046$45
    19Illinois$92,475$44
    20Tennessee$91,267$44

    Average chief nursing officer salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1McKinsey & Company Inc$173,220$83.28
    2Stanford Health Care$136,902$65.8216
    3Maine Health/maine Mental Health Partners$134,961$64.8911
    4Kaleida Health$130,961$62.9612
    5West Virginia University$118,357$56.901
    6Tenet Healthcare$117,392$56.44135
    7Lurie$116,310$55.92
    8Box Butte General Hospital$115,110$55.34
    9University of Maryland Medical System$114,813$55.2011
    10Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare$113,678$54.651
    11County Of Los Angeles Public Library$113,581$54.61
    12PAM Health$111,963$53.8343
    13Novant Health$111,685$53.6939
    14Cognizant$111,011$53.3753
    15Valley Presbyterian Hospital$110,889$53.312
    16Randolph Health$110,528$53.142
    17CHRISTUS Health$110,373$53.0691
    18Appalachian Regional Healthcare$108,875$52.343
    19University Hospitals$108,591$52.2111
    20Surgery Partners$107,660$51.7612
  4. Writing a chief nursing officer job description

    A chief nursing officer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a chief nursing officer job description:

    Chief nursing officer job description example

    I.1 Interpret and implement BSFMC mission, nursing and hospital objectives.

    I.2. Ensure provision of nursing care consistent with Tennessee Nurse Practice Act.

    I.3 Participate in the development and achievement of nursing strategic plan.

    I.4 Direct the planning, development and implementation of staffing, capital and expense budgets. Review budget performance variances and ensure appropriate action is taken.

    I.5 Collaborate with Personnel to recruit and/maintain staff.

    II.1 Prepare and forecast staffing plans. Monitor utilization of staff resources against budget projections, volume and acuity indicators.

    II.2 Identify and implement nursing practice models appropriate to patient care needs.

    III.1 Assures compliance with hospital and skilled nursing care policies and other regulatory agencies to include state, federal and DNV. Monitor and evaluate clinical, operational and administrative performance in areas of appropriateness, effectiveness, competence, responsiveness and compassion.

    III.2 Ensure the existence and utilization of a meaningful quality improvement monitoring system that addresses quality and appropriateness of care delivered.

    III.3 Analyze trends and patterns in clinical and financial performance of resource utilization.

    III.4 Actively participate on assigned task force groups.

    III.5 Participate in development of policies and procedures affecting nursing staff.

    IV.1 Recruit, orient and develop nurse managers.

    IV.2 Communicate consistent standards of performance, responsibility and accountability to nurse managers.

    IV.3 Implement performance feedback measures, formal and informal to improve leadership behavior consistent with the management philosophy of the department of Nursing.

    IV.4 Motivate staff by demonstrating a highly visible, effective, and articulate advocate style for nursing.

    IV.5 Establish staff development activities to maintain quality staff

    V.1 Identify changes and trends in the nursing profession and healthcare and integrate these into planning.

    V.2 Collaborate with other departments and educational resources in planning and organizing the implementation of new programs.

    VI.1 Promote and maintain harmonious relationships among personnel supervised, medical staff, patients and other departments.

    VI.2 Monitor, evaluate and identify opportunities and problems in patient care and resource utilization and work effectively with appropriate medical, professional and administrative staff to develop strategies to address.

    VII.1 Completes competency checklist annually or more often as required by department policy. Participates in disaster drills.

    VIII.1 Demonstrates knowledge of disease processes; diagnostic tests, normal and abnormal; treatment modalities and expected outcomes; psychosocial needs of various age groups; growth and development of infants, children and adolescents; the aging processes, associated complicating factors and behaviors.

    VIII.2 Able to demonstrate ability to complete tests, procedures or tasks normally required of position; can appropriately document patient responses; physical, emotional, verbal and non-verbal; recognizes and functions accordingly in relation to priorities of patient needs.

    VIII.3 Demonstrates ability to obtain information from patient/ family; can explain tests, procedures or tasks to various age groups appropriate to their level of comprehension; demonstrates ability to communicate patient needs to physician and clinical peers

    Minimum Level Qualifications

    Education :

    Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing.

    Post Graduate Degree in nursing or related field (Healthcare or Business Administration) preferred.

    Or Knowledge and skills associated with an advanced degree

    Or A written plan to obtain these qualifications

    Experience :

    Three or more years of progressive experience in nursing management positions.

    Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration :

    Current Licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse in this state.

    Skills and Qualifications :

    (1) Communication skills including verbal, non-verbal, and listening skills.

    (2) Strong fiscal management skills.

    (3) Demonstrated commitment to team effort, professional nursing practice and education.

    (4) Ability to work in a collaborative management team.

    Other Special Characteristics :

    1) Organizational/management insight.

    2) People skills - a warm, caring, approachable style.

    2) Ability to assess and react to situations.

    3) Must be motivated and work independently.

    4) Must be flexible with work schedule (attend night meetings).

    5) Must be able to perform at a fast pace and/or stressful environment.

    6) Ability to listen and maintain confidentiality.

    Company DescriptionRennova Health is a vertically integrated public healthcare holding company. We focus on serving essential healthcare categories, especially those with unmet needs and significant opportunities for innovation-driven solutions.

    We develop and operate forward-thinking businesses, systems and services to support better treatment outcomes, more cost-effective patient care, and optimized revenue streams. We are committed to providing unmatched service excellence across our entire suite of solutions while building on the best medical science and innovative technologies available. We also maintain the highest standards of corporate transparency, fiduciary responsibility, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find chief nursing officers for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your chief nursing officer job on Zippia to find and recruit chief nursing officer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Your first interview with chief nursing officer candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new chief nursing officer

    Once you've decided on a perfect chief nursing officer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a chief nursing officer?

Before you start to hire chief nursing officers, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire chief nursing officers pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $104,466 per year for a chief nursing officer, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for chief nursing officers in the US typically range between $34 and $72 an hour.

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