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Chief Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Chief CRNA oversees CRNAand Anesthesia Techniciansworkforce strategy, clinical practice standards, operational performance, academic engagement, and regulatory compliance while fostering a ...

The CNE reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CNE also reports indirectly to the System Chief Nurse Officer and works closely with the Chief Medical Executive (CME). Education:

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How much do chief nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief nurse in the United States is $135,579.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,000.00 and $153,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief nurse?

A chief nurse is a senior healthcare professional responsible for overseeing nursing staff, managing patient care standards, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. They often hold advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and have extensive clinical and leadership experience. The role involves strategic planning, staff development, and collaboration with other healthcare leaders.

What are some common challenges Chief Nurses face when leading a diverse nursing team?

Chief Nurses often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with clinical oversight and ensuring effective communication across a multidisciplinary team. They must address staffing shortages, support professional development, and maintain high standards of patient care. Additionally, navigating regulatory changes and fostering a positive workplace culture are key responsibilities that require strong leadership and adaptability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Nurse, you need advanced clinical expertise, leadership experience, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in nursing along with active RN licensure. Familiarity with healthcare management software, accreditation standards, and quality improvement systems is essential. Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor and inspire nursing teams are standout soft skills. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality patient care, driving organizational goals, and leading nursing staff effectively.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

Achieving a salary of $300,000 as a chief nurse typically requires advanced experience, specialized certifications, and leadership roles such as nurse executive or director. Working in high-paying healthcare settings, taking on administrative responsibilities, or pursuing additional education like a master's or doctorate can also increase earning potential.

How hard is it to become a CNO?

Becoming a Chief Nurse Officer (CNO) typically requires extensive experience as a registered nurse, often 10 or more years, along with advanced education such as a master's or doctoral degree in nursing or healthcare administration. Leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a strong understanding of healthcare operations are also essential, and candidates often progress through various nursing management roles before reaching the CNO position.

What are the top 5 highest paid nurses?

Chief nurses, also known as Chief Nursing Officers or Directors of Nursing, typically earn among the highest salaries in nursing, with annual pay often exceeding $100,000 and reaching over $150,000 in some regions or healthcare settings. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and the size of the healthcare facility, with those in administrative or executive roles generally earning more than bedside nurses.

What Does a Chief Nurse Do?

A chief nurse is a registered nurse (RN) that works at the management level. They are responsible for coordinating nurses that work in a hospital or other large health care facility. Job duties include maintaining care standards, hiring nurses, helping form budgets and policies, and making sure that all of the nurses under their supervision are providing quality care to patients. The chief nurse also works closely with hospital administrators and physicians.

What cities are hiring for Chief Nurse jobs? Cities with the most Chief Nurse job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Nurse jobs? The most popular types of Chief Nurse jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Chief Nurse job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,579 per year, or $65.2 per hour.
Chief Nurse Administrator

Chief Nurse Administrator

Northwest Nazarene University Inc

Nampa, ID โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description

NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

College of Nursing
Chief Nurse Administrator


Description of Position

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) seeks a mission-driven academic leader to serve as Chief Nurse Administrator. The Chief Nurse Administrator serves as the senior academic leader for all nursing programs, providing strategic, academic, and administrative leadership for faculty, staff, and students across the nursing enterprise.


This role is designed to lead Nursing through a season of institutional growth and structural alignment, with full authority over all nursing programs, including responsibility for academic quality, accreditation, faculty leadership, and program development. The Chief Nurse Administrator will advance program excellence, support student success, and cultivate strong partnerships with healthcare organizations and the broader community, while ensuring compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements.


The Chief Nurse Administrator currently reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and serves as a member of the University's Academic Leadership Team. Over the next several months, under the leadership of a new University President and a newly appointed VPAA, the University's academic structure will likely evolve. Through these structural changes, the Chief Nurse Administrator will continue to serve as the senior academic leader for Nursing, with reporting relationships aligned to the University's new organizational model.

Requirements

Primary Responsibilities

Academic Leadership and Program Quality

  • Leads development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of all nursing programs (BSN, MSN, FNP, DNP).
  • Ensures alignment of curriculum, assessment, and outcomes with institutional mission and accreditation standards.
  • Oversees accreditation, regulatory compliance, and reporting processes.
  • Advances innovation and strategic program growth.

Faculty Leadership and Development

  • Recruits, mentors, evaluates, and develops full-time and adjunct faculty.
  • Oversees faculty review, rank and tenure processes, and professional development.
  • Fosters a collegial, accountable, and mission-aligned faculty culture.
  • Appoints and supervises program directors and academic leadership.

Student Success and Experience

  • Promotes recruitment, retention, persistence, and graduation.
  • Partners with faculty and staff to strengthen advising and student support systems.
  • Addresses student concerns and academic issues.
  • Cultivates an environment that supports professional and personal formation.

Operations and Resource Management

  • Develops and manages program budgets in collaboration with university leadership.
  • Allocates faculty workload and resources effectively and equitably.
  • Supports institutional planning, assessment, and accreditation efforts.
  • Maintains accurate catalog, scheduling, and program records.

Institutional Leadership and Collaboration

  • Serves as a key academic leader within the University.
  • Collaborates with Enrollment and Marketing to support program growth and sustainability.
  • Partners across academic and student life divisions to enhance student outcomes.
  • Communicates effectively across the institution.

External Engagement and Partnerships

  • Develops and sustains relationships with healthcare organizations and community partners.
  • Represents the University in professional, state, regional, and national settings.
  • Promotes the strength and visibility of nursing programs.

Mission and Institutional Commitment

The Chief Nurse Administrator is expected to actively support and advance the mission of Northwest Nazarene University: "The mission of Northwest Nazarene University is the transformation of the whole person. Centered in Jesus Christ, the NNU education instills habits of heart, soul, mind and strength to enable each student to become God's creative and redemptive agent in the world." Therefore, candidates must demonstrate:

  • Spiritual maturity and commitment to Christian higher education
  • Alignment with the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition
  • Ability to integrate faith and learning within nursing education

Supervisory Responsibilities

All Nursing faculty and staff, but in particular

  • Staff Supervisor
  • BSN Program Chair
  • Graduate Program Directors

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Earned Doctorate in Nursing (or related discipline)
  • Minimum four years of academic leadership experience
  • Minimum four years teaching in accredited nursing programs
  • Demonstrated knowledge of accreditation and regulatory standards
  • Current RN licensure (Idaho or eligibility for licensure)

Preferred Attributes

  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
  • Experience with budgeting, assessment, and data-informed decision-making
  • Entrepreneurial mindset for program growth
  • High emotional intelligence and relational leadership

Key Competencies & Dispositions

  • Strategic leadership and execution
  • Faculty development and team building
  • Accreditation and regulatory expertise
  • Student-centered decision making
  • Collaborative leadership across the institution

Terms of Appointment

  • Three-year term, renewable based on performance
  • Serves at the discretion of the President

Application Process:

Please provide the following in order to be considered for the position:

  • A complete curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Cover letter
  • Personal Spiritual Pilgrimage
  • Membership in a Christian community of faith
  • Philosophy of Christian Higher education
  • Philosophy of Teaching
  • Official Transcripts (unofficial transcripts will be accepted, however if offered the position we will need official copies)

Northwest Nazarene University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As an educational institution operating under the auspices of the Church of the Nazarene, Northwest Nazarene University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Sections 702-703, United States Civil Rights act of 1964, as amended.)ย