Chief Nursing Officer
Vanderbilt University Hospital
Nashville, TN
Kirby Bates Associates has been exclusively retained by Vanderbilt Health to conduct a search for their next Chief Nursing Officer of Vanderbilt University Hospital. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic, visionary, and patient-centered CNO to lead nursing practice and champion patient care excellence at a nationally recognized academic medical center—ranked the #1 hospital in Tennessee.
Vanderbilt University Hospital (VUH), as the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Middle Tennessee and home to the state’s only dedicated Burn Center and Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, VUH plays a critical role in advanced patient care. It is renowned for its excellence in clinical services, research, and education.
Accountable to the President of VUH and the VUMC System CNO, the CNO will serve as a key member of the VUH Senior Executive Team and play a vital role in shaping clinical strategy, promoting a culture of excellence, innovation, and the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care across patient care services.
Opportunity Highlights
- VUH Facts:
- 814 beds with over 78,000 annual admissions
- 69 operating rooms with more than 40,000 surgical procedures a year
- 69,000 Adult ED visits and 12,000 inbound transfers
- 5,300 births
- Impactful Leadership: Join a senior executive team committed to clinical innovation, operational excellence, and a culture that truly puts patients first.
- National Recognition: VUH is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the country including placement on the S. News Honor Roll and recognition for its cardiovascular care, technological innovation, and Magnet designation for nursing excellence.
- Academic Excellence: Be part of a leading academic health system that fosters innovation and collaboration across disciplines with a commitment to patient safety, research, and education.
- Growth: A new 15-level patient tower is currently under construction and will add approximately 130 beds and 11 more operating rooms, radiology services, multiple specialty clinics, etc.
- System Support: Collaborate across Vanderbilt Health System’s high-performing network.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees required (one of which must be in Nursing). Doctorate preferred.
- Current RN license in the state of Tennessee (or ability to obtain).
- Ten years of progressive leadership experience in a high-volume academic healthcare setting.
- Demonstrated expertise in fiscal and operational management.
- Proven ability to lead teams, drive innovation, and advance quality in a collaborative environment.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact:
Jocelyn Clarke
Assistant Vice President, Executive Search
407-624-3933
EEO Statement
Kirby Bates Associates is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our associates.