Chief Nursing Officer

Employment Type:

Full time

Shift:

Day Shift

Description:

Lead Nursing Excellence Across Two Mission-Driven Hospitals

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.

Position Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Nursing Leadership

• 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.

Quality, Safety & Patient Experience

• 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.

Workforce Engagement & Leadership Development

• 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.

Operational & Financial Management

• 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.

Strategic Partnership

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be:

• A transformational and visible leader
• A strategic thinker with strong business acumen
• Passionate about nursing excellence
• Highly collaborative and relationship-focused
• Skilled in physician partnership and interdisciplinary leadership
• Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Driven to improve outcomes for patients, colleagues, and communities

Why Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic?

• leadership opportunity across two respected community hospitals
• Member of one of the largest Catholic healthcare systems in the United States
• Mission-driven culture focused on compassion, dignity, and service
• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive benefits and retirement programs
• Leadership development and advancement opportunities
• Ability to make a significant impact across Pennsylvania and Delaware communities

About the Facilities

Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital | Darby, PA

Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital is a teaching community hospital serving Delaware County and Southwest Philadelphia. The hospital is recognized for cardiovascular care, stroke services, behavioral health, emergency medicine, and surgical services. Mercy Fitzgerald serves more than 186,000 patients annually and has a long-standing reputation for clinical excellence and community service.

Saint Francis Hospital | Wilmington, DE

Saint Francis Hospital is Delaware's only Catholic hospital and has served Wilmington and Northern New Castle County for more than 100 years. The hospital offers comprehensive emergency, cardiovascular, cancer, women's health, primary care, and senior services while maintaining a strong commitment to health equity and community outreach.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.