System Chief Nursing Officer
CentraCare
St. Cloud, MN - United States
CentraCare seeks a visionary, engaging leader to serve as their next System Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). The CNO will be a transformational leader dedicated to advancing a patient-centered culture of excellence in nursing care. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, the CNO will play a vital role in positioning CentraCare as a premier destination for nurses. In 2024, CentraCare – St. Cloud Hospital achieved its fifth Magnet redesignation underscoring the health system’s unwavering commitment to high-quality nursing patient care.
CentraCare is a $1.85 billion integrated health system with more than 11,600 employees and providers, serving ten hospitals and 30+ clinics across central and southwestern Minnesota. A physician-led organization with a large, employed physician population, CentraCare has enjoyed a long history of clinical excellence, a strong financial position, and significant market share in the communities it serves. It is well positioned to advance the organizational objectives and strategies for success outlined in the Quadruple Aim of Quality and Experience, Value, Community Health, and People. In 2023, CentraCare and the University of Minnesota Medical School (UMMS) embarked on a new partnership to expand the University’s medical school footprint to Central Minnesota for the purpose of training medical students to ultimately serve rural communities across the state. Development of the UMMS CentraCare Regional Campus–St. Cloud includes an investment in facility and construction, student housing, programs and services, research, residency programs, and scholarships. In fall 2025, the new campus will welcome 24 aspiring doctors as part of the University of Minnesota Medical School’s first expansion in more than 50 years.
Reporting to CentraCare’s Executive Vice President & COO, Joy Plamann, DNP, MBA, the CNO will be an influential leader with a strong commitment to excellence in patient care, nursing practice, and quality. With oversight of nursing practice across the health system, this executive must possess both strategic vision and operational expertise. The CNO will be a key member of CentraCare’s senior leadership team participating in the development and implementation of systemwide strategy. The CNO will develop and support strategic initiatives to strengthen quality, safety, and patient experience, and identify opportunities to further integrate nursing across the health system. The CNO will lead efforts to gain support and maintain Magnet status at St. Cloud Hospital. This executive will be an approachable, inspirational leader committed to creating a joy-filled, psychologically safe environment where nurses feel supported, valued, and empowered to provide exceptional care. The CNO will champion initiatives to enhance staffing, promote professional development, and improve workplace well-being, ensuring nurses have the resources and environment needed to thrive. By fostering an inclusive and engaging nursing workforce, the CNO will improve recruitment and retention, team member engagement, and overall care delivery across the health system. As CentraCare continues its journey to becoming an academic medical center, the CNO will play an instrumental role in driving change management activities.
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned nursing executive with a demonstrated record of success in nursing leadership within a multi-site healthcare setting. They will have a proven ability to drive quality outcomes and lead strategic initiatives that align nursing with broader organizational goals. They will be adept at fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, ensuring high standards of clinical practice and driving continuous improvement initiatives. They will also be committed to the ongoing professional development of nursing leaders, advocating for the nursing practice, and enhancing patient outcomes through innovative practices and compassionate care.
Through their leadership, the CNO will ensure that CentraCare remains a top choice for patients seeking exceptional care and for nurses seeking a fulfilling, mission-driven career.
The base salary range for this position is $338,100 – $507,100 commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, education, and experience. In addition, this executive will be eligible for an annual incentive bonus, retirement, and additional benefits.
Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Please direct a resume expressing interest in the role to the WittKieffer team via the buttons below. For questions or additional information, please reach out to Jim King, Diane Smith, Keshia Harris or Wendy Kerschner via email to [email protected].