CNO/COO

*Sign-OnRelocation Assistance*JOB SUMMARY:**

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Nursing Officer / Chief Operating Officer (CNO/COO) to join Melissa Memorial Hospital (MMH), a highly regarded 15-bed Critical Access Hospital located in Holyoke, Colorado. Recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s Top 100 Best Places to Work, MMH is committed to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care to its rural community.

MMH provides a full continuum of services including a 24/7 Emergency Department, inpatient care, surgical services, RHC, family practice and specialty clinics, as well as laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, therapy, and additional support services. The hospital operates with a strong sense of community and is guided by its core values of integrity, collaboration, courage, service, passion, and ownership.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this role serves as a key member of the executive leadership team with responsibility for the overall direction of nursing services and hospital operations. The CNO/COO will ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality care while driving operational efficiency, workforce engagement, financial performance, and long-term organizational sustainability.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, visible leader who excels in building strong relationships with physicians, staff, leadership, and the community. This role requires a balance of clinical expertise and operational leadership, with accountability for improving patient outcomes, optimizing staffing and workflows, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting strategic growth in a rural healthcare environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:Leadership

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Provide executive leadership aligning clinical and operational strategies with organizational goals.

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Serve as a key partner to the CEO and Board in advancing performance and long-term sustainability.

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Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement.

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Build strong relationships with physicians, staff, leadership, and community stakeholders.

Nursing & Clinical Operations

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Provide oversight for all nursing and patient care services across the organization.

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Ensure delivery of safe, high-quality, evidence-based care.

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Establish and maintain clinical standards, competencies, and nursing best practices.

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Lead initiatives to improve patient outcomes and nursing-sensitive indicators.

Operational Oversight

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Direct day-to-day hospital operations, including inpatient, outpatient, RHC primary and specialty clinic, ED, surgical, and ancillary services.

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Improve patient flow, throughput, and coordination across departments.

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Optimize staffing models, scheduling processes, and resource utilization.

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Implement efficient workflows and operational best practices.

Financial & Performance Management

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Partner with finance leadership to manage budgets, labor, and operational performance.

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Monitor productivity, staffing levels, and cost efficiency.

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Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational improvement.

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Support financial sustainability in a Critical Access Hospital environment.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

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Ensure compliance with Critical Access Hospital, CMS, and regulatory standards.

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Promote a culture of safety and high reliability.

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Lead performance improvement initiatives focused on patient safety and quality outcomes.

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Maintain continuous readiness for surveys and accreditation.

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in collaboration with director of quality.

Patient Experience & Community Engagement

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Champion a patient-centered culture focused on service excellence.

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Improve patient satisfaction and experience metrics.

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Engage with community members and stakeholders to support trust and access to care.

Workforce Development

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Lead recruitment, retention, and workforce engagement strategies.

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Develop leadership pipelines, onboarding, and competency programs.

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Reduce reliance on agency/travel staff through sustainable staffing models.

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Foster a culture of professional growth, accountability, and teamwork.

Strategic Growth

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Support service line development and operational innovation.

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Identify opportunities to expand services and improve access to care.

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Contribute to long-term strategic planning and organizational growth.

COMPETENCIES:

• Support MMH vision and mission.

• Maintain confidentiality of all work information.

• Demonstrate an ability to function successfully in a team environment.

• Exhibit courteous, compassionate, and respectful treatment of internal and external customers.

• Displays a positive attitude and flexibility in changing situations.

• Participates in identifying problems and suggesting solutions.

• Report any compliance issues as designated in the MMH Compliance Program.