Description
Chief Nursing Officer
Full Time/Permanent
Tumwater WA
Salary Range: $120828 - $197976
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) plays a pivotal role in advancing the vision mission and strategic goals of the Department of Corrections (DOC) through the Division of Health Services (HS). As a key member of the HS Governing Body the CNO is responsible for building developing and leading the DOC nursing workforce in alignment with the broader mission of the Department.
Excellence in nursing is integral to the effectiveness of correctional operations the health and safety of incarcerated patients and the successful reentry of individuals into the community. High-quality nursing practice is therefore foundational to the overall quality of health care within the DOC.
The Division of Health Services delivers medically necessary evidence-based care; monitors and manages health care costs; and ensures that patients are treated with compassion and respect. Within this framework the CNO reports administratively to the Assistant Secretary and serves as the senior authority for nursing practice across the Department. The role includes establishing standards of nursing care and ensuring consistency of nursing practice statewide.
The CNO provides leadership and oversight for all clinical nursing programs encompassing strategic planning policy development procedural review and the establishment of nursing addition the CNO is accountable for recruitment retention and professional development of the nursing workforce ensuring a highly skilled and resilient team to meet the health needs of the DOC population.
Application assessment will be ongoing and the hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It is to the applicants advantage to apply as early as possible.
This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions.
Duties
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is responsible for establishing monitoring and evaluating the standards of clinical care and nursing services across the Department of Corrections Health Services (DOC HS). The CNO develops and leads the DOC HS nursing workforce to achieve these standards advancing the mission of DOC HS and the broader DOC.
Serving as the agencys chief nurse the CNO assumes authority responsibility and accountability for the statewide delivery of nursing this capacity the CNO sets a tone of collaboration professionalism and excellence instilling pride well-being and a shared vision among nursing staff.
Leadership and Workforce Development
- Leads the Nursing Practice Council and in other leadership forums such as Unified Leadership Team Clinical Services Board Mortality Review and Statewide CQIP.
- Directs the Nurse Educator and RN4 teams to implement best practices uphold the highest clinical and ethical standards and ensure reliable nursing processes.
- Creates a professional work environment that supports pride in practice error reduction job satisfaction and high-quality patient care.
- Spends time at all DOC facilities to maintain familiarity with nursing practice system-wide and to ensure first-hand contact with staff.
- Encourages and supports leadership development for nurse supervisors/managers to strengthen supervisory capacity and establish consistency in nurse evaluation processes.
- Partners with state nursing training institutions to promote workforce recruitment and retention.
Standards Policies and Compliance
- Develops maintains and implements nursing programs policies procedures and protocols aligned with Washington State nursing practice standards.
- Functions as the subject matter expert for nursing practice and advises the agency on nursing-related matters.
- Develops responses statutory and legislative inquiry.
- Ensures compliance with DOC Policy the Washington State Health Plan and all state and federal laws and regulations governing nursing practice.
- Collaborates with appointing authorities health services managers and nursing supervisors to ensure ethical standards and licensure requirements are upheld.
- Provides oversight of nursing staff development and training programs in collaboration with Clinical Nurse Educators.
- In collaboration with Appointing Authorities Health Services Managers Health Authorities and facility nursing supervisors the CNO is the final clinical authority on decisions regarding the hiring of nursing staff licensure issues and adherence to ethical standards legislative mandates and state and federal laws pertaining to nursing practice.
Collaboration and Integration
- Collaborates with Unified Leadership Teams at facilities the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Deputy CMO Clinical Directors Administrative Leaders and custody partners to promote consensus reduce isolation and create a unified workforce.
- Provides consultation to Health Services Administrators Facility Medical Directors nursing leaders clinicians superintendents and management on nursing service delivery.
- Partners with the CMO Deputy Assistant of Operations Human Resources and regional/facility nursing leaders to monitor nursing program results and optimize the use of physical financial and personnel resources.
- Coordinates with clinical directors health services managers clinical nurse specialists and nursing supervisors to ensure appropriate staffing and program support.
- Co-chairs the Infection Control Program with the DOC Infectious Disease Physician leads the Infection Prevention Nurse Group and coordinates with Occupational Nurse Consultants.
Quality Safety and Accountability
- Serves as the primary DOC contact for the Department of Health (DOH) regarding Health Environmental and Safety Standards for Correctional Facilities.
- Provides independent recommendations on performance issues of nursing personnel; reviews reports investigations and complaints and makes referrals to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) as required.
- Represents the Department to WABON professional nursing organizations nursing education programs and community partners.
- Oversees quality improvement (QI) activities in coordination with the Director of Quality related to nursing services and actively participates in the Coordinated Quality Improvement Program (CQIP) including Mortality Review Conferences and Unexpected Fatality Reviews.
- Establishes measurable nursing outcomes and ensures corrective action plans (CAPs) are implemented and sustained.
- Monitors disciplinary actions by WABON.
- Encourages accountability transparency and staff participation in nursing policy development and decision making.
Resource and Budget Management
- Partners with Health Services administrators to ensure efficient management of nursing resources.
- Applies Lean principles to redesign systems for efficiency and effectiveness.
- Participates in budget planning and development to ensure resources are appropriately allocated for nursing services.
- Participates in contract procurements for nursing and supporting services as needed.
Training and Professional Development
- Works with Clinical Nurse Educators to assess training needs set priorities and implement programs aligned with agency goals.
- Reviews training materials for clinical accuracy and relevance.
- Fosters staff development to promote quality care retention and recruitment.
- Participates in operational inspections and audits of facilities.
- Assesses nursing operations and capacity identifies performance issues recommends corrective actions and monitors improvements.
Qualifications
Required Education Experience and Competencies:
- Initial and continuous unblemished/unrestricted licensure in the state of Washington as a Registered Nurse license is required.
- Five (5) years of experience working as a Registered Nurse with some experience in a correctional setting preferred.
- Five (5) years of increasing nursing supervisory responsibilities with experience as a nurse administrator or manager required.
- Five (5) years of managing multi-site health care operations with fiscal responsibility over sizeable annual expenditures.
- Certification by the American Heart Association in Healthcare Provider CPR. Assess the subjective and objectiv symptoms of a patients condition and use appropriate treatment plans and protocols.
- The demonstrated ability to use sound nursing judgment and knowledge.
- Experience with accreditation pursuits such as Joint Commission Magnet designations ACA NCCHC etc.
- Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing learning; develops and maintains current and relevant clinical knowledge to apply to patient care; demonstrates clinical knowledge as evidenced by safe and competent nursing practice.
- The CNO is patient-centered humanitarian and fair minded in all interactions. Demonstrates a professional commitment to equity and just culture. Can articulate how the role of the CNO in WA DOC can serve to enhance the humanity of the WA DOC carceral system and improve the outcomes of the served population.
- The CNO has the skill and ability to successfully perform basic nursing skills and a demonstrated record of the highest professionalism. Understands the duty to report unsafe or substandard practice. Knows the mandatory reporting requirements and has a clear understanding of the WA State Nurse Practice Act. Promotes a patients rights to privacy by protecting their confidential information. Uses patient information only for legitimate healthcare purposes. Maintains professional boundaries avoiding inappropriate personal interactions with patients. Maintains a therapeutic and professional relationship with patients regardless of patient characteristics such as ethnicity and cultural factors gender age behavior demeanor and attitude. Seeks advice when unsure if actions expected exceed the legally recognized scope of nursing practice.
- Has the ability to share knowledge and skills with colleagues and others and act as a role model/mentor.
- Three (3) years of increasing nursing supervisory responsibilities with experience as a nurse administrator or manager required.
Preferred/Desired Education Experience and Competencies:
- Graduation with a Master of Science in Nursing (or acceptable equivalent degree focused on health care administration) from an accredited institution that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education. Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent
- Experience as a high-level nursing leader over a system such as quality or as a CNO in another agency or hospital group.
Supplemental Information
Mission: The mission of DOC is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
Our Core Values:
- Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust:Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
- Respectful and inclusive interactions:Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment which encourages safety. We respect value and listen to the thoughts feelings and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
- Peoples safety:Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical mental and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
- Positivity in words and actions:At Corrections we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
- Supporting peoples success:Corrections is committed to our community understanding individuals instilling hope embracing change and providing opportunities.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance technical skills and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references please include non-related professionals such as educators or other professional associates.
**Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
- A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.
- Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
- We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances will be disqualified from consideration.
- Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
- Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from thedate ofhire. When positive tests result further information testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
- This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.
- Requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire fit testing training and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more.
- Must be able to work in spaces climb stairs walk long distances and frequently lift up to 30 pounds. Under rare circumstances this position may be required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds.
- Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from and. Until this documentation is provided you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
- Candidates who are offered a job with the Department of Corrections must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
- (FOR RN POSITIONS)Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes Steps A-U. Step U is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to Step T in your permanent salary range.
- (FOR ALL OTHER NON WMS POSITIONS)Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes Steps A-M. Step M is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to Step L in your permanent salary range.
- DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. does not use E-Verify; therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information please visit.
We are committed to hiring individuals who possess core diversity competencies:
Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace.
- Work effectively with people of different perspectives abilities disabilities races religions ages lifestyle preferences and social ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
- Respectfully acknowledge peoples differences and recognize these differences as important and valuable.
- Promote inclusiveness.
- Be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
- Respect and value diverse backgrounds and traditions.
What We Offer:
As an employee of the Department of Corrections your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical dental and vision these perks also may include:
- Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
- 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
- 12 paid holidays a year
- Generous retirement plan
- Flex Spending Accounts
- Dependent Care Assistance
- Deferred Compensation and so much more!
Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position they actually retire under two different systems/plans. For more information please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-.
DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race creed color national origin sex marital status sexual orientation gender identity gender expression age honorably discharged veteran veteran status genetic information or the presence of any sensory mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
For questions about this recruitment or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process pleaseemailor call at .
For TTY service please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-.