Chief Nursing Officer

Chief Nursing Officer – Bend Campus

St. Charles Health System | Bend, Oregon

About the Role

St. Charles Health System is seeking a dynamic and visionary
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
to lead nursing excellence and patient care delivery at our
Bend campus
, the largest hospital in Central Oregon.

As the executive nursing leader, the CNO ensures alignment with system-wide nursing strategy, advances professional nursing practice, and fosters a
Culture of Excellence (Just Culture)
that promotes accountability, safety, and continuous learning. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in
staffing laws, regulatory policy, and clinical operations
— ensuring that every decision supports safe, equitable, and effective care for patients and caregivers alike.

This is a highly visible leadership role that blends strategic vision with hands-on operational excellence in a fast-paced, mission-driven health system.

What You'll Do

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all nursing and clinical services at the Bend campus, ensuring consistency with system-wide standards and strategy.
• Champion a
  Culture of Excellence (Just Culture)
  that encourages open communication, fairness, and shared accountability across all levels of nursing leadership.
• Ensure compliance with
  state and federal staffing laws
  , nurse staffing committee requirements, and Oregon-specific workforce regulations.
• Develop and oversee policies and procedures that meet or exceed
  Oregon Health Authority
  ,
  CMS
  ,
  The Joint Commission
  , and other regulatory standards.
• Partner with the Chief Nurse Executive, Chief Clinical Officer, and medical staff to integrate care delivery and improve quality, safety, and patient experience.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen caregiver engagement, retention, and professional growth within a framework of equity and compassion.
• Manage operational performance, including staffing, resource allocation, and budgeting to achieve key performance outcomes.
• Serve as a visible and collaborative leader who models transparency, inclusion, and respect.

What You Bring

Education:

• Master of Science in Nursing required.
• BSN with a Master's in Healthcare Administration, MBA, or related field will be considered.
• Preferred:
  Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) or related discipline.
• Licensure:
• Current Oregon RN license (or ability to obtain).
• Valid Oregon driver's license.
• Preferred:
  Professional leadership certification such as CENP, CPHQ, FACHE, or NE-BC.

Experience:

• Minimum of
  10 years of progressive nursing leadership
  , including
  5+ years at a director level or above
  in an acute care setting.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying
  nurse staffing laws
  ,
  regulatory standards
  , and
  labor policies
  .
• Proven success leading through a
  Culture of Excellence (Just Culture)
  to drive safety, engagement, and accountability.
• Preferred:
  Leadership experience in a tertiary medical center or integrated health system.

Why St. Charles Health System

• Lead nursing excellence at the flagship hospital of a progressive, community-based health system.
• Influence system-wide policy, culture, and operational standards in partnership with executive nursing leadership.
• Thrive in a collaborative culture grounded in compassion, accountability, teamwork, and safety.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and
  relocation assistance
  to support your move to Bend, Oregon.

Live where you lead.

Bend offers world-class recreation, a strong sense of community, and an exceptional quality of life in the heart of Central Oregon.