1

Chief Nurse Executive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Chief Nurse Executive information

See salary details

$61.5K

$158.4K

$320K

How much do chief nurse executive jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief nurse executive in the United States is $158,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,000.00 and $185,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Chief Nurse Executive typically collaborate with other hospital leaders to drive patient care initiatives?

A Chief Nurse Executive (CNE) works closely with hospital executives, physicians, department heads, and quality improvement teams to align nursing strategies with organizational goals. They often participate in executive leadership meetings, contribute to policy development, and lead interdisciplinary committees focused on patient safety, clinical outcomes, and staff engagement. This collaboration ensures that nursing perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes, resulting in coordinated efforts to improve patient care across all departments. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are essential for a CNE in fostering teamwork and driving successful initiatives.

What is a Chief Nurse Executive?

A Chief Nurse Executive (CNE) is the highest-ranking nursing leader within a healthcare organization, responsible for overseeing all nursing operations, policies, and staff. The CNE works with other executive leaders to shape patient care strategies, ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, and promote quality and safety in nursing practice. They also lead nursing recruitment, retention, and professional development efforts, and serve as the voice of nursing at the executive level. The role requires a blend of clinical expertise, leadership skills, and business acumen.

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

To thrive as a Chief Nurse Executive, you need advanced clinical expertise, strategic leadership abilities, and a graduate degree in nursing or healthcare administration, often accompanied by executive-level certifications. Familiarity with healthcare information systems, accreditation standards, and quality improvement tools is crucial. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and team-building skills help foster a collaborative culture and drive organizational change. These competencies are essential for effectively leading nursing operations, ensuring quality patient care, and aligning nursing strategies with overall institutional goals.

What is the difference between Chief Nurse Executive vs Director of Nursing?

AspectChief Nurse ExecutiveDirector of Nursing
CredentialsRN license, BSN, MSN, leadership certificationsRN license, BSN, MSN often preferred
Work EnvironmentExecutive leadership in hospitals or health systemsManagement of nursing staff, clinical operations
Employer & IndustryHospitals, health systems, healthcare organizationsHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities
Search & Comparison IntentLeadership, executive roles in nursingManagement, administrative nursing roles

The Chief Nurse Executive typically holds a higher-level leadership position overseeing all nursing operations and strategic planning at a healthcare organization. The Director of Nursing manages nursing staff and daily clinical operations. While both roles require nursing credentials and leadership skills, the Chief Nurse Executive focuses on organizational strategy and policy, whereas the Director of Nursing emphasizes operational management.

More about Chief Nurse Executive jobs
What cities are hiring for Chief Nurse Executive jobs? Cities with the most Chief Nurse Executive job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Nurse jobs? The most popular types of Chief Nurse jobs are:
What states have the most Chief Nurse Executive jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Nurse Executive jobs include:
Infographic showing various Chief Nurse Executive job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, and 98% Full Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,380 per year, or $76.1 per hour.

$16K - $21K/mo

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

543rd of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Effective July 1, 2025, in accordance with the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented. PLP 2025 requires each full-time employee in Bargaining Unit 17, and related Excluded, Exempt and Statutory Exempt employees, will have their base salary reduced by 3 percent and will receive 5 PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes. Part-time employees are subject to the same conditions as full-time employees, on a prorated basis equivalent to their time-base. Permanent intermittent employees are subject to the same condition as full-time employees, based on the number of hours worked in the pay period.
Under the direct supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, this position is the highest-ranking nurse manager within a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) adult institution. Assumes comprehensive 24-hour and 7-day (24/7) accountability for the operations and delivery of all patient care services throughout a CDCR institution or designated institutions.
Candidate may be eligible for relocation reimbursement if they meet the criteria requirements.
This advertisement is for the Chief Nurse Executive position located at San Quentin Rehabilition Center. Please indicate the position number of your application: 095-213-8241-001
Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
About the location - San Quentin Rehabilitation Center in San Quentin, California
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • RECEIVER'S NURSE EXECUTIVE (SAFETY)
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-526986
Position #(s):
095-213-8241-001
Working Title:
Chief Nurse Executive
Classification:
RECEIVER'S NURSE EXECUTIVE (SAFETY) $16,724.00 - $21,776.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Marin County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time
Facility:
San Quentin State Prison
Department Information
Vision
We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.
Mission
To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.
Commitment
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.
CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive and culturally diverse workplace. We are determined to attract and hire more candidates from diverse communities and empower all employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts to increase representation at all levels of the Department.
CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities.
CDCR and CCHCS values all team members. We work cooperatively to provide the highest level of health care possible to a diverse correctional population, which includes medical, dental, nursing, mental health, and pharmacy. We encourage creativity nd ingenuity while treating others fairly, honestly, and with respect, all of which are critical to the success of the CDCR/CCHCS mission.
This position in Limited-Term for 24 months and not 12 months as stated above, with a possibility of becoming permanent, in which the incumbent would serve a one-year probationary period.
Special Requirements
Please do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications (MQ) will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting MQ's with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification . Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the MQ's, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.
Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services .
Candidates new to CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, and Tuberculosis (TB) testing prior to appointment followed by department annual TB testing/evaluation thereafter.
When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.
CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate's identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to www.e-verify.gov .
This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.
Employment History on the STD. 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. To prepare for the State Application process, please visit Work4CA: State Application Checklist .
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/17/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
California Correctional Health Care Services
Executive Recruitment - In Person
Attn: Monica Ordaz
Executive Recruitment and Selection
8280 Longleaf Drive, Building D-1
Elk Grove , CA 95758
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
California Correctional Health Care Services
Executive Recruitment - Mail
Monica Ordaz
Executive Recruitment and Selection
PO Box 588500, D-1, Personnel
Elk Grove , CA 95758
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Shall create and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.

Please reference the attached duty statement for additional desirable qualifications specific to this position.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website, www.calhr.ca.gov , and the CalPERS website, www.calpers.ca.gov .
Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System Benefit can be found on the CalHR website at www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx .
Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Training/Pages/performance-management-merit-system-principles.aspx .
Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service
Employee Benefits Summary website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/about-calhr/divisions-programs/benefits/california-state-civil-service-employee-benefits-summary/ .
This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
Monica Ordaz
(916) 691-0254
monica.ordaz@cdcr.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
CCHCS EEO Office
(916) 691-6118
CCHCS_EEO@cdcr.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Examination Information
To obtain list eligibility for the Receiver's Nurse Executive (Safety) classification before applying for the position, you must first take and pass the Receiver's Nurse Executive (Safety) examination.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Servi

What California Conservation Corps employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom