Administration

Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)/Chief Operations Officer (COO) - FT

The position of Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)/Chief Operating Officer (COO) is primarily a member of the Senior Leadership Team and therefore must act as an advocate for the goals of the entire hospital. Under general direction, the COO assumes line responsibility and authority for the administrative direction, evaluation, and coordination of the functions and activities of assigned departments within the hospital, ensuring that operation objectives and results are in accord with the hospital’s overall needs.

 

  • The CNO/COO provides administrative direction for operations of assigned departments and appraises the performance of the respective departments’ heads, including authority to hire and fire, but subject to the veto of the CEO.
  • He/She communicates routinely with the CEO concerning policy recommendations and suggested courses of action pertinent to the efficient operation of assigned departments.
  • He/She also implements new policies; disseminates pertinent information following administrative directives; and recommends improvement of hospital facilities in assigned areas, including construction or renovation of structures and purchase of new equipment.
  • The CNO/COO promotes complete involvement of the departments’ heads in the preparation of the departments’ budgets and educates them in the importance of the budget, forecasting and planning process.
  • He/She advises and makes recommendations to the CEO concerning budget, cost, and financial matters and encourages and assists department heads in establishing a measure of performance, increased productivity, quality improvement, cost controls, and maximum utilization of facilities.
  • The CNO/COO advises the CEO where executive action is necessary to accomplish these goals and he/she plans the activities of the individual departments in relation to other hospital departments so as to obtain a better understanding of each others’ problems.
  • The CNO/COO attends medical staff meetings and/or medical staff committee meetings, as assigned or requested.
  • He/She also represents the hospital by membership in related professional associations.