Overview

The Opportunity

Our leaders shape strategic initiatives, develop passionate teams, and work to improve health outcomes. They advance our mission and exemplify excellence, compassion, teamwork and purpose in all that they do. Indiana University Health is seeking individuals who embody these values to join our East Region leadership team in the role of Vice President – Chief Nursing Officer, Fort Wayne.

The Vice President - Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) will serve as a transformational leader, promoting the mission, vision, and values of IU Health while advancing contemporary nursing practices. This leader will create a productive environment that ensures the delivery of safe, timely, efficient, effective, equitable, and patient-centered care.

The CNO must embody the IU Health Way and exemplify the organization's core values of Team, Purpose, Compassion, and Excellence. They will foster a high level of collaboration within a matrixed team environment, overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of nursing strategic and operational priorities. 

In this role, the CNO will prioritize leadership development at all levels, demonstrating a deep commitment to the nursing profession and the individuals who rely on IU Health for care. They will create environments where team members feel valued, professionally invested, and inspired by both patients and colleagues.

The CNO is accountable for achieving organizational outcomes outlined in the IU Health Promise Dashboard, including quality and safety improvements, care affordability, excellent patient experiences, and positive team member experiences. This leader will promote evidence-based decision-making in clinical and leadership initiatives, facilitate shared leadership structures, and implement professional practice models while encouraging continuous process improvement.

The CNO will be instrumental in creating a learning environment by implementing evidence-based practices, fostering clinical inquiry, and disseminating knowledge through publications and presentations in partnership with schools of nursing. They will maintain a thorough understanding of current clinical practices, regulatory, and accreditation requirements, including the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet and Pathway to Excellence Programs and their designation criteria.

Furthermore, the CNO will demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of healthcare economics, policy, and the roles of governing bodies at local, regional, and system levels. They will maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external to the organization, and actively engage in regional and national professional activities, modeling and encouraging involvement.

Indiana University Health is unlike any other healthcare system and we're looking for team members who share the things that matter most to us. IU Health leaders play a crucial role in advancing the mission of our diverse organization and inspiring teams to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. As one of Indiana’s largest employers and the most comprehensive medical system in the state, our vision is to lead the transformation of healthcare through quality, innovation and education, and make Indiana one of the nation’s healthiest states.

Key Relationships

Reports to: President, Fort Wayne

Candidate Qualifications

Candidates for the position will be selected from a diverse pool and will be evaluated according to the following criteria and competencies.

Education and Experience

• Master's degree (Nursing, Health Administration or related field) required.
• If master’s degree is not in nursing, a BSN is required.
• Doctorate degree preferred.
• 7-10 years of progressive nursing leadership experience preferred.
• Certification in administration preferred.
• Requires in-depth knowledge of the nursing profession.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local regulatory agency guidelines and laws.
• Experience leading in an ANCC designated entity preferred (Magnet or Pathway to Excellence).
• Experience designing organizational structures to achieve business and operational results.
• Requires an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Indiana or an active Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) RN license.

Characteristics 

• Transformational Leadership: Capability to inspire and motivate nursing staff by fostering a vision for nursing practice that aligns with the organization's mission and values, while exhibiting the highest standards of personal integrity and ethics.
• Strong Communicator: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate goals, expectations, and changes clearly to diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborative Mindset: Commitment to fostering teamwork and collaboration across a matrixed organization, facilitating strong relationships among various departments.
• Culturally Competent: Understanding and appreciation for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, with the ability to empower underrepresented communities.
• Passionate Advocate for Nursing: A deep-seated commitment to the nursing profession and patient care, with a focus on maintaining high standards of practice.
• Innovative Thinker: Ability to develop new strategies and solutions to improve nursing practices and patient care while adapting to changes in the healthcare landscape.
• Accountable and Results-Oriented: A strong focus on organizational outcomes, with a track record of achieving quality, safety, and patient experience improvements.
• Dynamic and Engaging Personality: A leader who exemplifies the highest levels of professionalism and performance, cultivates a positive work environment, and actively engages team members to enhance morale and job satisfaction.

Capabilities

• Strategic Planning: Proven ability to develop, implement, and evaluate nursing strategic and operational plans that meet organizational objectives.
• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Skilled in utilizing research and data to inform clinical practice and leadership initiatives, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and compliance requirements relevant to nursing practice.
• Financial Acumen: Knowledge of healthcare economics and policies that influence nursing operations, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Curriculum Development and Mentorship: Experienced in developing leadership programs and mentoring nursing staff to foster professional growth and competencies.
• Community Engagement: Ability to build partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and stakeholders to enhance nursing practices and workforce development.
• Crisis Management: Capable of making effective decisions in high-pressure situations, particularly in emergency and critical care contexts.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Willingness to work in various capacities, including potential hands-on involvement during the initial stages of the hospital's operation.

Indiana University Health values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at IU Health. IU Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.