Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Nursing or related healthcare field required; Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), PhD, or equivalent degree strongly preferred. Current, active RN license in New Jersey and/or Multistate license required. Certification in nursing leadership (ANCC or CENP) preferred within 1 year of hire or transfer. Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive nursing leadership experience, with at least 5 years at the executive level in a complex, multi-entity healthcare organization.
POSITION SUMMARY
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Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is a critical nursing executive who provides strategic operational, and clinical leadership for nursing practice across assigned entities within the health system. Reporting directly to the Chief Nurse Executive (CNE), the CNO is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of nursing care, advancing professional practice, and supporting systemwide nursing initiatives aligned with the enterprise nursing strategic plan.
The CNO partners closely with operational, medical, and system nursing leaders to drive clinical excellence, improve patient outcomes, and cultivate high-performing nursing workforce and culture. This role requires a forward-thinking, inclusive, and collaborative leader who is passionate about innovation in care delivery and elevating the voice of nursing across the system.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the nursing executive for assigned hospital(s) or service lines, providing strategic and operational leadership for nursing services. Partner with the CNE to implement the enterprise-wide nursing strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the health system’s mission, vision and values. Lead initiatives focused on clinical quality, patient safety, patient experience, and operational performance, in collaboration with medical and administrative leaders. Develop and sustain high-performing nursing teams through workforce planning, leadership development, engagement strategies, and professional practice advancement. Support and contribute to system-level nursing goals such as Magnet® designation, shared governance, nursing informatics, and evidence-based practice implementation. Ensure nursing operations remain in full compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements and accreditation standards (e.g., CMS, Joint Commission). Establish a culture of accountability, collaboration, and compassion, with a strong emphasis on health equity, staff well-being, and a just culture environment. Lead and oversee the development of operational budgets, staffing models, and resource planning for nursing services across assigned areas. Actively engage in system committees, councils, and initiatives as a representative of nursing and a trusted partner to the CNE and other senior executives. Promote collaboration between nursing, medical staff, and interprofessional teams to ensure coordinated, high-quality, and patient-centered care.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: Master’s degree in Nursing or related healthcare field required; Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), PhD, or equivalent degree strongly preferred.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:
Current, active RN license in New Jersey and/or Multistate license required. Certification in nursing leadership (ANCC or CENP) preferred within 1 year of hire or transfer.
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive nursing leadership experience, with at least 5 years at the executive level in a complex, multi-entity healthcare organization. Demonstrated success in leading high-performing teams, improving nursing outcomes, and driving system-level change. Strong knowledge of nursing regulatory standards, clinical operations, and best practices in acute and post-acute care. Experience with Magnet® designation or other professional nursing excellence frameworks preferred. Exceptional communication, leadership, and influence skills, with a track record of building trust and engagement at all levels.Preferred Competencies
Systems-thinking and alignment with enterprise strategies Change leadership and innovation in care delivery Data-driven decision-making and performance improvement Commitment to nursing excellence, DEIB, and patient-centered care Executive presence with a collaborative, empowering leadership style
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens along with infectious diseases. (Refers to Blood Bourne Pathogen requirement)
Essential functions of this position are listed on the Assessment and Evaluation Tool.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
The above statement reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.
Total Rewards at AtlantiCare
At AtlantiCare, we believe in supporting the whole person. Our market-competitive Total Rewards package is designed to promote the physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being of our team members. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and resources, including:
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental & Vision Insurance
Retirement Plans with employer contributions
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Coverage
Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement to support your educational goals
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care
Wellness Programs to help you thrive
Voluntary Benefits, including Pet Insurance and more
Benefits offerings may vary based on position and are subject to eligibility requirements.
Join a team that values your well-being and invests in your future.