Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

Vernon, Texas

Position Highlights:

• Work-Life Balance: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM schedule with a stable, predictable administrative on-call rotation of 1–2 weeks per month.
• Desirable Practice Setting, Ideal Work Environment: Lead all clinical operations at Wilbarger General Hospital — a tight-knit, 25-bed community hospital with exceptional staff dedication and strong community pride. Single-site role with meaningful, visible impact.
• Ideal Work Environment: Collaborative, hands-on culture where leadership works side by side with staff. Team members across departments pitch in as needed — this is a working CNO role with floor presence at its core.
• Favorable Call Schedule: Administrative on-call rotation: 1–2 weeks per month.
• Culture & Support, Support & Networking: Supportive senior leadership team including a newly appointed CEO focused on building strong clinical leadership. Dedicated CFO and engaged interim CNO to support onboarding and transition.
• Partnership Opportunities, Leadership Opportunities, Professional Growth Opportunities: Rare opportunity to lead clinical operations through a significant organizational milestone — Wilbarger General is actively transitioning from PPS to Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation. Shape the future of rural healthcare in West Texas and leave a lasting leadership legacy.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation, Competitive Salary, Compensation, Financial Package: $146,000 base salary, with flexibility to $170,000–$175,000 commensurate with experience. Salary-based position with no RVU or production requirements.
• Generous Performance Bonus, Generous Quality Bonus, Generous Bonus, Competitive Bonus Opportunity, Additional Bonus Incentives: Annual performance review with 2–3% cost-of-living increase.
• Sign-On Bonus, Retention Bonus: $5,000 sign-on bonus, payable on first paycheck (12-month repayment clause).
• Comprehensive Benefits Package, Competitive Benefits, Benefits Package, Full Benefits: Blue Cross Blue Shield medical (employee premium contribution required); optional dental, vision, life/AD&D, and short- and long-term disability. 401(k) retirement plan plus TCDRS pension (employee contributes 5% of gross wages with state fund match) — a strong long-term financial benefit.
• Relocation Assistance, Relocation Stipend: $5,000 relocation assistance, with flexible structure — direct payment to moving company or employee reimbursement.
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance: Student loan repayment program available.
• Professional Development, Professional Growth: CME days and allowance provided (specific dollar amount to be confirmed). PTO for CME included. Organization covers licensure, dues, and subscriptions.
• Additional Perks, Additional Benefits: 6 paid holidays. PTO (vacation) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB/sick leave). TCDRS pension plan is a standout long-term differentiator — strong state-backed retirement benefit for candidates planning a long-term commitment to the community.

Qualifications:

• Degree: MSN preferred; experience may substitute. RN degree required.
• Certifications: PALS and TNCC preferred given hospital trauma care responsibilities.
• Licensure: Active RN licensure required.
• Skillset: Broad clinical knowledge across inpatient and outpatient settings (outpatient procedures, outpatient surgery, infusion therapy, cardiac rehab). Strong interpersonal, team-building, and provider relations skills. Fiscal responsibility, budget management, and staffing ratio management. Survey readiness and CMS compliance expertise. Must be a working CNO — floor presence required.
• Experience: Minimum 5–8 years in a nursing leadership role. Strong clinical background maintained throughout career. Experience in a rural or community hospital environment strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to build cultures of accountability and manage performance. Familiarity with CMS guidelines and quality/compliance standards.
• Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship status to be confirmed by hospital.

About the Community

• Top Ranked Location: Vernon, TX — proud hometown of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Roy Orbison.
• Major Metro, Medium-Sized Metro, Small Metro, Suburban Community, Rural Community: Small, close-knit rural community with tremendous local pride and strong civic identity. The hospital is a cornerstone of community life in Wilbarger County.
• Lifestyle & Affordability: Low cost of living with a relaxed West Texas pace of life. Affordable housing, friendly neighbors, and a genuine sense of community make Vernon an ideal place to put down roots.
• Prime Location: Vernon is conveniently located 45 minutes from Wichita Falls (pop. 100,000), 2.5 hours from Dallas/Fort Worth, 2 hours from Amarillo, and 2.5 hours from Lubbock — offering small-town quality of life with accessible big-city amenities.
• Education: Home to Vernon Junior College, offering continuing education and community programming for residents of all ages.
• Community Attributes: Carnegie Library, Water Park, Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo, Bacon Fest, and a vibrant local culture that reflects the warmth and character of West Texas.
• Easy Travel, Convenient Location, Prime Location: Easy access to DFW International Airport (2.5 hrs), Wichita Falls Regional Airport (45 min), and Amarillo International Airport (2 hrs) for convenient regional and national travel.
• Vibrant Lifestyle: Outdoor recreation at nearby Copper Breaks State Park. Local dining, community events, and rodeo culture. A welcoming community eager to support families relocating to the area.

Job Reference #:26738