Vice President of Nursing & Quality Services / Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the Vice President of Nursing & Quality Services / Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for the strategic direction, leadership, and operational oversight of all nursing and clinical quality functions for Oneida Health. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care that is safe, efficient, equitable, and aligned with regulatory standards and organizational goals. The CNO integrates nursing practice with quality improvement initiatives to drive clinical excellence, enhance patient outcomes, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Oneida Health is a regional integrated healthcare network based in Oneida, NY operated by Oneida Health Systems, a New York State not-for-profit corporation. From a four-bed hospital in 1899 to a local leader in patient care, Oneida Health has had a singular vision for 126 years of providing the highest levels of patient safety and experience through the perfect pairing of talented medical professionals and state-of-the-art technology. Offering physical rehabilitation, primary and specialty care, an award-winning hospital, and skilled nursing, Oneida Health invests in the health of its community through a network of healthcare services focused on prevention and long-term health.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

· Develop and implement a strategic vision for nursing and quality services aligned with the hospital’s mission, vision, and values.

· Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team on clinical care, patient safety, and regulatory matters.

· Lead organizational efforts in performance improvement, patient experience, and clinical innovation.

Nursing Operations

· Provide executive oversight for all nursing departments, including inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and specialty services.

· Ensure appropriate staffing models, workforce planning, and resource allocation.

· Promote evidence-based practice and professional nursing standards.

· Foster a culture of engagement, shared governance, and professional development among nursing staff.

Quality & Patient Safety

· Oversee the hospital’s quality management, patient safety, infection prevention, and regulatory compliance and accreditation programs.

· Lead initiatives to improve clinical outcomes, reduce variation, and achieve benchmark performance.

· Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including patient satisfaction, clinical quality metrics, and safety indicators.

· Ensure readiness for accreditation and regulatory surveys (e.g., CMS, NY DOH, DNV, Joint Commission).

Financial Stewardship

· Develop and manage departmental budgets for nursing and quality services.

· Optimize resource utilization while maintaining high standards of care.

· Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.

· Utilize benchmarking data and best practice to support resource allocation.

Labor & Union Relations

· Serve as executive liaison with nursing union (NYSNA) representing nursing and clinical staff.

· Foster a collaborative, respectful labor-management relationship that supports patient care excellence and workforce engagement.

· Participate in collective bargaining strategy development and negotiations in partnership with Human Resources and legal counsel.

· Ensure consistent interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) across nursing.

· Address grievances and disputes in a timely, fair, and consistent manner, promoting resolution at the lowest appropriate level.

· Support frontline leaders in managing union-related matters, including contract compliance, discipline processes, and workplace concerns.

Collaboration & Communication

· Partner with physicians, administrative leaders, and department heads to improve care coordination and outcomes.

· Represent nursing and quality services in board meetings, committees, and community engagements.

· Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and communication across the organization

Education

· Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required

· Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field required

· Doctorate (DNP, PhD, or DHA) preferred

Licensure & Certifications

· Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in New York

· Certification in Nursing Administration (e.g., NEA-BC, NEA-BC or equivalent) preferred

Experience

· Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive nursing leadership experience, including senior-level management

· Prior experience in a community hospital or similar healthcare setting strongly preferred

· Demonstrated success in quality improvement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance