Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)/Chief Operations Officer (COO)
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.
Licensed RN with a BSN. Masters preferred. Knowledge of the healthcare field, as well as refined managerial skills typically acquired through experience as a COO or CNO at a healthcare facility.
