Chief Nursing Officer

Chief Nursing OfficerHamilton, New York | On-site | Executive LeadershipThe opportunityCommunity Memorial Hospital is looking for a Chief Nursing Officer who wants the influence of an executive role without losing connection to patients, employees, and the community. CMH is a 25-bed critical access hospital serving approximately 45,000 people across 27 communities in Central New York. The organization also provides primary and specialty care through locations across Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, Sherrill, New Hartford, Utica, and Waterville.This is an opportunity to join a financially stable, community-focused hospital at an important point in its growth. Community Memorial has invested in its emergency department, private patient rooms, surgical capabilities, and the continued expansion of services across the region.The hospital also recently welcomed a new CEO with a background in operational improvement, strategic growth, employee engagement, and patient experience. The incoming CNO will work closely with her to shape the hospital’s next chapter and ensure nursing has a strong voice in every major organizational decision.At Community Memorial, the CNO is not managing from a distance. You will know the nursing team, understand what is happening on the units, and have the authority to address problems quickly. Your decisions will directly influence how employees experience the organization and how patients experience their care.What you will leadAs a member of the executive leadership team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for nursing and assigned clinical services across the organization.You will:Establish the vision and priorities for nursing practice, patient care, quality, safety, and clinical performancePartner closely with the CEO, medical staff, Board, and operational leadersDevelop nursing leaders who can create accountability while maintaining a supportive and respectful cultureStrengthen recruitment, retention, succession planning, and employee engagementMaintain a visible presence throughout the hospital and build trust with frontline employeesUse quality, patient experience, staffing, and financial data to guide decisionsEnsure compliance with state, federal, accreditation, and professional nursing standardsSupport the continued development of emergency, inpatient, surgical, and outpatient servicesParticipate in strategic planning, capital decisions, budgeting, and organizational growthProtect the personal, community-based approach to care that distinguishes Community Memorial from a larger health systemThe leadership style that will succeed hereCommunity Memorial needs a leader who is approachable, decisive, and comfortable being present throughout the organization. You should be able to set clear expectations without creating unnecessary hierarchy. You listen before making changes, explain the reasoning behind decisions, and hold people accountable in a way that earns trust. The right person will bring strong nursing judgment and executive discipline, but will never lose sight of the people carrying out the work.This role will suit a nursing leader who:Enjoys being visible and accessible to employeesCan move comfortably between strategy and day-to-day operationsBuilds credibility with physicians, nurses, executives, and Board membersUnderstands the staffing and financial realities facing community hospitalsHas led improvements in quality, patient experience, workforce stability, or clinical operationsWants meaningful authority rather than a narrowly defined corporate positionWhat you bringActive Registered Nurse license in New York State, or eligibility to obtain oneBachelor’s degree in nursingMaster’s degree in nursing, healthcare administration, business, or a related field preferredProgressive nursing leadership experience in an acute-care hospitalExperience overseeing nursing operations, quality, staffing, budgets, and regulatory complianceA record of developing strong nursing leaders and improving employee engagementExperience in a critical access, rural, community, or similarly sized hospital would be valuableStrong communication skills and the confidence to work effectively with the CEO, Board, medical staff, and frontline teamsWhy Community MemorialThis is a hospital where the Chief Nursing Officer can have a visible and lasting impact.You will be joining an organization with a strong foundation, active investment in its facilities and services, and a leadership team committed to thoughtful growth. You will have direct access to decision-makers, the ability to move initiatives forward, and the opportunity to build close relationships across the hospital. Community Memorial is large enough to offer meaningful clinical and operational complexity, but small enough that your leadership will be felt every day.Life in HamiltonHamilton offers something many rural hospital communities cannot: the pace and character of a small town combined with the energy and amenities of a nationally recognized university community. Home to Colgate University, Hamilton has a walkable historic downtown with locally owned restaurants, cafés, shops, a movie theatre, community events, and a farmers’ market. Colgate brings collegiate athletics, speakers, exhibitions, concerts, theatre, and cultural programming to the area throughout the year. Hamilton is an excellent fit for someone who wants a close-knit community and a quieter way of life without giving up restaurants, culture, university events, or access to larger cities.ApplyMediFlex Talent Solutions is supporting Community Memorial Hospital with this executive search. Qualified nursing leaders are invited to apply confidentially. Candidates currently outside New York who are open to relocating to Central New York are encouraged to express their interest.