Chief Nursing Officer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Chief Nursing Officer roles sit at the intersection of clinical leadership and executive responsibility, making them strong candidates for H-1B visa specialty occupation sponsorship. Most health systems will file an LCA and petition through USCIS, and EB-2 or EB-3 green card paths are common for long-term hires with advanced nursing credentials.
Find Chief Nursing Officer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 53+ Chief Nursing Officer jobs
See all 53+ Chief Nursing Officer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Chief Nursing Officer roles.
Get Access To All JobsChief Nursing Officer Career Opportunity
Honored and esteemed for your Chief Nursing Officer expertise
Are you seeking a transformative nursing leadership opportunity that feels close to home and heart? Encompass Health invites you to step into the role of Chief Nursing Officer at one of our 150+ in-patient rehabilitation hospitals, where we redefine the meaning of a fulfilling career. In our dynamic healthcare environment, experience the warmth of a welcoming community from the start. This role allows you to contribute to patients' well-being by providing compassionate care and support while playing a pivotal role in achieving inspiring healthcare outcomes. As a Chief Nursing Officer, you'll understand that even small victories can yield substantial impacts, taking responsibility for the quality of nursing care provided by the staff. Join us on a journey where your leadership transforms lives, offering a career that combines professional excellence with a deep connection to your roots.
A Glimpse into Our World
At Encompass Health, you'll experience the difference the moment you become a part of our team. Being at Encompass Health means aligning with a rapidly growing national inpatient rehabilitation leader. We take pride in the growth opportunities we offer and how our team unites for the greater good of our patients. Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing.
Starting Perks and Benefits
At Encompass Health, we are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and caring environment where you can thrive. From day one, you will have access to:
- Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans for both full-time and part-time employees and their families.
- Generous paid time off that accrues over time.
- Opportunities for tuition reimbursement and continuing education.
- Company-matching 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans.
- Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
- A vibrant community of individuals passionate about the work they do!
- Join a vibrant community of individuals who are passionate about what they do. Yes, we consider this a valuable benefit.
Be the Chief Nursing Officer you've always aspired to be
- Collaborate with all medical, clinical, and therapeutic disciplines to foster a patient-focused, team-oriented culture that delivers superior service and outstanding outcomes.
- Develop patient care programs, policies, and procedures that outline how patients' needs for nursing care, treatment, and services are assessed, evaluated, and met.
- Act as a representative for nursing on various committees, including the Governing Body, Quality Council, Med Exec, Infection Control, Education, and Ethics Committees, as needed.
- Support cultural diversity and maintain an inclusive, respectful work environment.
- Cultivate an environment and culture that empowers the hospital to fulfill its mission by exceeding its goals, communicating the hospital's mission to all staff, holding staff accountable, motivating the team, and taking charge of measurement and assessment.
- Implement Joint Commission, CMS, State, rehabilitation nursing, and hospital standards.
- Utilize a staffing matrix that factors in patient acuity and adjusts staffing to meet budgeted NHPPD. Integrate complex data to make informed decisions, develop programs and plans that optimize health, promote wellness, manage illness, and prevent patient complications.
- Celebrate the achievements of your staff and patients along the way.
Qualifications
- Possess a current RN licensure as required by state regulations.
- Hold BLS certification (ACLS preferred).
- Commit to obtaining CRRN certification within a year of meeting the eligibility requirements.
- Possess a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing or a related field, unless a higher degree is mandated by state regulations.
- Advanced Degree, plan to receive an advanced degree, or knowledge and skills associated with an advanced degree required unless otherwise specified by state regulation.
- Five years of experience in an inpatient hospital setting.
- Two years of recent (within the last 5 years) Nursing Management experience, with responsibilities including 24-hour accountability, FTE management, policy, procedure, and budgetary oversight, as well as conducting disciplinary action.
- May be required to work weekdays and/or weekends, evenings and/or night shifts.
- May be required to work on religious and/or legal holidays on scheduled days/shifts.
The Encompass Health Way
We proudly set the standard in care by leading with empathy, doing what's right, focusing on the positive, and standing stronger together. Encompass Health is a trusted leader in post-acute care with over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
At Encompass Health, we celebrate and welcome diversity in our inclusive culture. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, color, creed, age, mental or physical disability, or any other protected classification.
Chief Nursing Officer Career Opportunity
Honored and esteemed for your Chief Nursing Officer expertise
Are you seeking a transformative nursing leadership opportunity that feels close to home and heart? Encompass Health invites you to step into the role of Chief Nursing Officer at one of our 150+ in-patient rehabilitation hospitals, where we redefine the meaning of a fulfilling career. In our dynamic healthcare environment, experience the warmth of a welcoming community from the start. This role allows you to contribute to patients' well-being by providing compassionate care and support while playing a pivotal role in achieving inspiring healthcare outcomes. As a Chief Nursing Officer, you'll understand that even small victories can yield substantial impacts, taking responsibility for the quality of nursing care provided by the staff. Join us on a journey where your leadership transforms lives, offering a career that combines professional excellence with a deep connection to your roots.
A Glimpse into Our World
At Encompass Health, you'll experience the difference the moment you become a part of our team. Being at Encompass Health means aligning with a rapidly growing national inpatient rehabilitation leader. We take pride in the growth opportunities we offer and how our team unites for the greater good of our patients. Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing.
Starting Perks and Benefits
At Encompass Health, we are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and caring environment where you can thrive. From day one, you will have access to:
- Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans for both full-time and part-time employees and their families.
- Generous paid time off that accrues over time.
- Opportunities for tuition reimbursement and continuing education.
- Company-matching 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans.
- Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
- A vibrant community of individuals passionate about the work they do!
- Join a vibrant community of individuals who are passionate about what they do. Yes, we consider this a valuable benefit.
Be the Chief Nursing Officer you've always aspired to be
- Collaborate with all medical, clinical, and therapeutic disciplines to foster a patient-focused, team-oriented culture that delivers superior service and outstanding outcomes.
- Develop patient care programs, policies, and procedures that outline how patients' needs for nursing care, treatment, and services are assessed, evaluated, and met.
- Act as a representative for nursing on various committees, including the Governing Body, Quality Council, Med Exec, Infection Control, Education, and Ethics Committees, as needed.
- Support cultural diversity and maintain an inclusive, respectful work environment.
- Cultivate an environment and culture that empowers the hospital to fulfill its mission by exceeding its goals, communicating the hospital's mission to all staff, holding staff accountable, motivating the team, and taking charge of measurement and assessment.
- Implement Joint Commission, CMS, State, rehabilitation nursing, and hospital standards.
- Utilize a staffing matrix that factors in patient acuity and adjusts staffing to meet budgeted NHPPD. Integrate complex data to make informed decisions, develop programs and plans that optimize health, promote wellness, manage illness, and prevent patient complications.
- Celebrate the achievements of your staff and patients along the way.
Qualifications
- Possess a current RN licensure as required by state regulations.
- Hold BLS certification (ACLS preferred).
- Commit to obtaining CRRN certification within a year of meeting the eligibility requirements.
- Possess a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing or a related field, unless a higher degree is mandated by state regulations.
- Advanced Degree, plan to receive an advanced degree, or knowledge and skills associated with an advanced degree required unless otherwise specified by state regulation.
- Five years of experience in an inpatient hospital setting.
- Two years of recent (within the last 5 years) Nursing Management experience, with responsibilities including 24-hour accountability, FTE management, policy, procedure, and budgetary oversight, as well as conducting disciplinary action.
- May be required to work weekdays and/or weekends, evenings and/or night shifts.
- May be required to work on religious and/or legal holidays on scheduled days/shifts.
The Encompass Health Way
We proudly set the standard in care by leading with empathy, doing what's right, focusing on the positive, and standing stronger together. Encompass Health is a trusted leader in post-acute care with over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
At Encompass Health, we celebrate and welcome diversity in our inclusive culture. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, color, creed, age, mental or physical disability, or any other protected classification.
See all 53+ Chief Nursing Officer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Chief Nursing Officer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Chief Nursing Officer Jobs
Align your credentials before applying
CNO roles require a master's or doctoral degree in nursing or health administration to satisfy specialty occupation standards. Confirm your international degree has a U.S. equivalency evaluation on file before recruiters screen your application.
Target health systems with PERM history
Large integrated health systems and academic medical centers routinely sponsor CNOs through PERM labor certification for EB-2 and EB-3 green cards. Prioritize organizations with established immigration infrastructure rather than smaller community hospitals.
Search verified CNO sponsors on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to find health systems with verified LCA filing history for nursing leadership roles. This filters out employers who say they sponsor but lack a track record of actually filing for CNO-level positions.
Clarify executive licensure requirements early
CNO candidates need active RN licensure in the state of employment, which must be in place before an H-1B petition can proceed. Confirm the state board timeline for foreign-educated nurses, since licensure gaps can delay your USCIS filing.
Request a prevailing wage check before negotiating
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for the CNO occupation in your metro area. Run the OFLC Wage Search yourself so you enter salary negotiations knowing the floor the employer is legally required to meet.
Distinguish your executive scope in the petition
USCIS scrutinizes whether CNO duties constitute a true specialty occupation distinct from staff nursing. Work with your employer to document board-level accountability, budget authority, and policy development responsibilities that demonstrate the role requires advanced degree expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Chief Nursing Officer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, provided the employer documents that the position normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in nursing, health administration, or a directly related field. Roles blending clinical oversight with executive functions like strategic planning and budget management generally satisfy USCIS specialty occupation criteria, but the petition must clearly separate CNO duties from general staff nursing responsibilities.
Which visa types do most health systems use to sponsor Chief Nursing Officers?
H-1B is the most common nonimmigrant path, with the employer filing an LCA with DOL and an I-129 petition with USCIS. For permanent residence, most health systems pursue EB-2 with PERM labor certification, though CNOs with exceptional research or publication records may qualify for EB-2 National Interest Waiver or EB-1A without PERM. TN visa is not available for CNO roles.
How do I find health systems actively sponsoring Chief Nursing Officers?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA filing history for nursing leadership roles, so you can identify health systems that have actually sponsored candidates at the CNO level rather than relying on general hiring claims. Focusing on organizations with a documented track record significantly reduces the risk of an employer declining to file once you reach the offer stage.
Does my nursing degree from outside the U.S. satisfy H-1B specialty occupation requirements?
A foreign nursing degree can qualify if a credential evaluation firm confirms it is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher in nursing or a related field. USCIS accepts these evaluations as evidence of degree equivalency. Many states also require CGFNS certification or passing NCLEX before granting RN licensure, which must be secured before USCIS will approve the H-1B petition.
Can a Chief Nursing Officer on H-1B pursue a green card while employed?
Yes, H-1B status allows dual intent, so pursuing a green card does not jeopardize your nonimmigrant status. Most CNOs file under EB-2, which requires the employer to complete PERM labor certification with DOL before filing an I-140 petition with USCIS. Priority date backlogs vary by country of birth, so starting the PERM process early in your H-1B period is advisable.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Chief Nursing Officer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.