Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) - Fort Wayne, IN

Job Description

Serving the community since 1904, Lutheran Hospital is a 396-bed tertiary care facility that provides healthcare services to patients in Fort Wayne and throughout northeastern Indiana and northwestern Ohio. Accredited by The Joint Commission and part of Lutheran Health Network, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, quality care with the best possible experience to every patient, every time, and to making a positive impact on our community.

In addition to traditional healthcare, Lutheran Hospital provides extensive specialized services through:

• Level II verified adult and pediatric trauma centers
• A certified comprehensive stroke center
• An accredited comprehensive cancer program
• Northeastern Indiana's only accredited comprehensive bariatric surgery center
• Leadership in cardiac care is reflected in the hospital's vast cardiology and cardiovascular services. 

Recognitions include:

• The HeartCARE Center TM National Distinction of Excellence (the American College of Cardiology's highest recognition)
• AFib with electrophysiology services accreditation
• Chest pain center with PCI and resuscitation accreditation
• Cardiac cath lab with PCI accreditation
• Heart failure accreditation with outpatient services
• Certificate of Distinction for ventricular assist device program
• Transcatheter valve certification (the first in Indiana)
• Since young patients have unique needs, Lutheran Children's Hospital provides care to infants, children and teens in dedicated inpatient, outpatient and ER settings designed entirely for kids.

Essential Functions

• Provides leadership and direction for all nursing services, ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care and compliance with healthcare standards.
• Develops and implements nursing policies, procedures, and programs to support patient care and operational goals.
• Oversees the recruitment, development, and retention of nursing staff, ensuring adequate staffing levels and fostering a positive work environment.
• Collaborates with the senior leadership team and department heads to develop strategies that promote the hospital’s mission and improve patient care outcomes.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and internal policies related to nursing care and patient safety.
• Monitors nursing performance metrics and quality indicators, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
• Provides guidance and mentorship to nursing managers and department heads, fostering leadership development and continuous improvement.
• Leads efforts to improve patient satisfaction, safety, and clinical outcomes by promoting evidence-based practices and continuous education for nursing staff.
• Manages nursing budgets and resources, ensuring cost-effective operations without compromising the quality of care.
• Participates in strategic planning, decision-making, and policy development as a member of the hospital's executive team.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Nursing, Health Administration, or related field required
• Minimum of 10 years of nursing experience, with at least five (5) years in a senior nursing leadership role, such as CNO or Director of Nursing in a hospital or healthcare facility required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and management skills, with a proven ability to lead nursing teams and improve patient care outcomes.
• Deep understanding of healthcare regulations, quality standards, and accreditation processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with clinical and administrative leaders.
• Financial acumen, with experience in managing nursing budgets, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Ability to implement evidence-based practices and foster a culture of continuous improvement in nursing care.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required