Join St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, Idaho—where nationally recognized quality meets small-town heart. We’re proud to be recognized for excellence and patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, inclusion in Becker’s list of “Great Community Hospitals,” and U.S. News & World Report accolades for maternity care. Here, you’ll find a teamwork-first culture, leaders who support you, and coworkers who genuinely have your back. New grads are welcome—we’re committed to training, mentoring, and helping you build confidence as you grow. And because we know great care starts with taking care of our people, we offer competitive benefits and a workplace you can feel good about. If you’re looking for a place to do meaningful work, build a career, and feel proud serving your community—you belong at St. Joe’s.

Job Summary

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has ultimate administrative responsibility for nursing standards and practices across all areas of the hospital. The CNO provides strategic leadership and oversight of nursing operations, ensuring delivery of high-quality, compassionate, and evidence-based care. This role collaborates with hospital leadership to design and implement clinical programs that drive improved outcomes and operational performance. The CNO is responsible for developing nursing policies, maintaining regulatory compliance, managing nursing resources, and leading performance improvement initiatives.

Essential Functions

• Ensures continuous, safe, and timely nursing care and services
• Establishes nursing standards and practices that comply with laws, regulations, and current professional standards
• Develops and manages nursing services budget, staffing plans, and resource allocation
• Leads hospital-wide Performance Improvement initiatives related to nursing services
• Oversees recruitment, hiring, evaluation, and development of nursing staff
• Participates in strategic planning and leadership committees
• Collaborates with other hospital departments to ensure coordinated patient care
• Prepares for and participates in regulatory and accreditation surveys
• Develops and implements orientation and professional development programs for nursing staff
• Evaluates equipment and supply needs for nursing units
• Represents the hospital in community and professional forums

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• In-depth knowledge of nursing practice standards and regulatory requirements
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Effective verbal and written communication abilities
• Proficiency in budget development and resource management
• Ability to mentor and lead interdisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities
• Frequent walking, standing, and sitting
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Manual dexterity for operating office equipment
• Hospital setting with frequent interaction with clinical and administrative staff
• Fast-paced and dynamic work conditions
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases and biohazards, with proper precautions in place

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing required
• Master’s degree required (MSN or MHA preferred)

Licenses/Certifications

• Current and active Registered Nurse license
• Must meet licensure requirements within time frame required by facility policy

Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a Chief Nursing Officer in an investor-owned healthcare organization
• Prior experience with Joint Commission preparation and survey process