CNO - Chief Nursing Officer

The CNO leads all of the nurses in a healthcare facility. Sometimes referred to as the VP of nurses, the CNO performs various roles, including both regulatory duties and hands-on patient care. The CNO manages finances, assigns schedules, integrates new medical technologies and implements treatment plans. It’s their responsibility to lead the nurses toward short-term and long-term goals.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing or Healthcare

• Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management

Recommended

• Experience working as a registered nurse

• Post-master's certificate in nursing leadership & education

• A doctorate degree in Nursing Leadership

Steps to Become a CNO

1. Graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN)

2. Pass the NCLEX examination

3. Gain experience as a registered nurse

4. Obtain a Master’s degree in Nursing Leadership and Management

5. Become certified in nursing management, leadership, or administration

6. Obtain a management role, such as a nurse manager or clinical leader

7. Obtain a Doctorate degree in Nursing Leadership or gain experience in an administrative role 

8. Become a CNO

Skills

• Communication - Interpersonal communication skills are critical to succeeding as a CNO. CNOs coordinate care with all members of the healthcare team, including physicians, nurses, and patients.

• Leadership - The CNO leads a team of nurses toward implementing goals and procedures

• Healthcare management - The CNO manages various aspects of a healthcare facility including hiring, training, data analysis, and budgeting

• Data reporting - Collecting, analyzing, and reporting data is a key responsibility of a CNO

• Problem-solving - CNOs must identify and solve problems that arise in the healthcare facility

• Staffing - Responsible for hiring staff, the CNO must ensure adequate staffing needs are met.

CNO Settings

• Hospitals

• Outpatient surgery centers

• Outpatient clinics

• Rehabilitation centers

• Insurance companies

• Healthcare system offices

• Government agencies

Salary

The average salary of a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) varies, ranging from $30 to $58 per hour in mid-September 2024, per Vivian Health's salary data.

• Executive Nursing Practice Certification (CENP)

• Nurse Manager and Leader Certification (CNML)

• Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC)

• Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC)

• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

Some healthcare employers may prefer CNO job candidates with Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and some may even require specific professional certifications.