Chief Nursing Officer

Trinity Health•Darby, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic seeks an accomplished, transformational nursing executive to serve as the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, Pennsylvania and Saint Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. This executive leadership role provides strategic oversight for nursing practice, clinical quality, patient safety, workforce engagement, and nursing operations across two respected community hospitals within one of the nation's leading Catholic health systems. The CNO is a key member of the regional executive leadership team and serves as the senior nursing leader responsible for advancing a culture of excellence, accountability, innovation, and compassionate care while ensuring alignment with Trinity Health's Mission, Values, and strategic priorities. The Chief Nursing Officer provides executive leadership for nursing practice and patient care services across both hospitals. The CNO develops and executes strategic initiatives that enhance quality outcomes, patient safety, colleague engagement, workforce development, operational performance, and financial stewardship. This leader will oversee professional nursing practice, establish a high-performing culture, and partner with physicians, operational leaders, and Trinity Health system colleagues to advance organizational priorities and exceptional patient outcomes.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
Current Registered Nurse (RN) license.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or related graduate nursing degree.
Ten or more years of progressive nursing leadership experience in an acute care hospital setting.
Five or more years of senior executive nursing leadership experience.
Demonstrated success leading large, complex nursing organizations.
Experience driving measurable improvements in quality, safety, patient experience, workforce engagement, and financial performance.
Strong knowledge of healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and professional nursing practice.

Nice To Haves

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), PhD, EdD, DrPH, or other terminal degree.
Previous Chief Nursing Officer experience within a multi-site health system.
Experience in a teaching hospital environment.
Magnet® designation, Pathway to Excellence®, or shared governance experience.
NEA-BC, FACHE, or other executive leadership certification.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and direction for nursing services across both hospitals.
Serve as the senior nursing executive and trusted advisor to hospital and regional leadership.
Advance professional nursing practice and evidence-based care delivery.
Lead organizational transformation and clinical practice innovation.
Drive performance in quality, patient safety, infection prevention, and patient experience metrics.
Foster a highly reliable organization focused on continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, state regulations, and Trinity Health standards.
Champion evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes.
Create a culture that attracts, develops, and retains exceptional nursing talent.
Lead succession planning and leadership development initiatives.
Promote colleague engagement, professional growth, and well-being.
Build strong relationships with nursing, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams.
Oversee nursing operations, staffing models, productivity, resource allocation, and budget performance.
Utilize metrics and data analytics to drive operational excellence.
Ensure effective stewardship of financial and human resources.
Collaborate with regional and enterprise leaders to align nursing initiatives with Trinity Health priorities.
Lead multidisciplinary projects that improve clinical and business performance.
Support growth, service line expansion, and organizational goals throughout the region.