Job Description

Willow Creek Women's Hospital, accredited by The Joint Commission, is a 64-bed full-service facility and was the 2024 Gold Winner for the "Best Place to Have a Baby" in the Best of Northwest Arkansas. For new mothers, Willow Creek offers everything from obstetrics to a Level IIIa neonatal intensive care unit and 24/7 maternal-fetal medicine for high-risk pregnancies. The hospital was first in the state of Arkansas to earn prestigious international recognition as a baby-friendly designated birth facility. In 2020, Willow Creek became the first hospital in the nation to earn VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) Center of Excellence status from the Maternal Safety Foundation. Willow Creek also has an OB/GYN emergency department solely focused on women's needs with board-certified OB/GYNs available 24/7.

Willow Creek's Breast Imaging Center is home to the first 3D mammography technology in Northwest Arkansas, providing detection of breast tumors and abnormalities at the earliest possible stages. The hospital also offers menopause management, gynecologic oncology, and cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.

In 2021, the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence awarded Northwest Health the highest-level, Governor's Award for Performance Excellence. An award focused on continuous quality improvement and not presented every year, only 27 Arkansas organizations have received the highest-level award.

 

Job Summary

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is responsible for overseeing all nursing operations at the facility, ensuring the highest quality of patient care, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. As a member of the senior leadership team, the CNO collaborates with hospital leaders, department heads, and clinical teams to implement nursing strategies that align with the facility's mission and values. The CNO is also responsible for driving patient care initiatives, managing nursing staff, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.

Essential Functions

Provides leadership and direction for all nursing services, ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care and compliance with healthcare standards. Develops and implements nursing policies, procedures, and programs to support patient care and operational goals. Oversees the recruitment, development, and retention of nursing staff, ensuring adequate staffing levels and fostering a positive work environment. Collaborates with the senior leadership team and department heads to develop strategies that promote the hospital’s mission and improve patient care outcomes. Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and internal policies related to nursing care and patient safety. Monitors nursing performance metrics and quality indicators, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions. Provides guidance and mentorship to nursing managers and department heads, fostering leadership development and continuous improvement. Leads efforts to improve patient satisfaction, safety, and clinical outcomes by promoting evidence-based practices and continuous education for nursing staff. Manages nursing budgets and resources, ensuring cost-effective operations without compromising the quality of care. Participates in strategic planning, decision-making, and policy development as a member of the hospital's executive team. Performs other duties as assigned. Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

Master's Degree in Nursing, Health Administration, or related field required Minimum of 10 years of nursing experience, with at least five (5) years in a senior nursing leadership role, such as CNO or Director of Nursing in a hospital or healthcare facility required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong leadership and management skills, with a proven ability to lead nursing teams and improve patient care outcomes. Deep understanding of healthcare regulations, quality standards, and accreditation processes. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with clinical and administrative leaders. Financial acumen, with experience in managing nursing budgets, staffing, and resource allocation. Ability to implement evidence-based practices and foster a culture of continuous improvement in nursing care.

Licenses and Certifications

RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required