The Chief Nursing Operations Executive (CNOE) will play a key role in serving as a vital member of the Lee Physician Group (LPG) senior leadership team and have an exciting opportunity to participate in the future growth and success of the organization. The CNOE provides direction and support to LPG primary care and ambulatory services and, as part of the system leadership, assists in fulfilling the mission, plans, and objectives (including the responsibilities to the patient and the community) for the provision of high-quality, cost-effective care. This position, in partnership with the Chief Physician and Operations Executive(s) and Vice President of Operations Surgical and Medical Specialties is jointly responsible for:
- Overseeing all primary care physician practice operations in LPG: Adult Primary Care (230 providers), Urgent Care (41 providers), Women’s Health (54 providers), and Behavioral Health (12 providers).
- Ensuring overall quality medical care (clinical and service quality), in conjunction with Associate Chief Nurse Executive for Lee Physician Group and ambulatory services division.
- In partnership with VP, Operations Surgical and Medical Specialties, overseeing the performance of LPG to include strategy execution, enterprise growth, employee engagement, patient satisfaction, and quality of care.
- Managing the cost of operations, budgeting, and financial performance of assigned divisions.
- Supporting a culture of performance, quality, service, accountability, and transparency for clinicians and staff across the institution, with the CNOE specifically responsible for the nursing staff culture and climate.
- Working collaboratively with other colleagues to standardize operations and consistency.
This position oversees multiple physician locations and provides direction to staff and other assigned areas to promote safe, quality patient care that supports a positive patient experience. She/he ensures consistency of best practice clinical standards in guiding the provision of patient care and serves on the health system Executive Nursing Leadership Council promoting Magnet standards and continuous improvement. The CNOE provides clinical perspectives on patient care issues while advocating for staff and patient needs.
Reporting Relationships
The CNOE reports to the Chief Administrative Officer, LPG & Ambulatory Care, with matrixed accountability for nursing standards to Lee Health’s system Chief Nurse Officer. Net revenue for this individual’s areas of direct operational oversight (Women’s Health, Primary Care, Behavioral Health and Convenient Care) is approximately $128 million. The CNOE has a total team of 1,247 FTEs reporting through a direct report leadership team that includes: Associate Chief Nurse Executive; System Director, Women’s Health Services & Convenient Care; System Director, Primary Care; and System Director, Behavioral Health.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; BSN and a master’s degree in nursing or other Healthcare related field and/or Business Administration.
- Must have a minimum of ten years’ experience in medical group or ambulatory care management. Previous experience at senior nursing level in ambulatory, physician practice and/or service line leadership.
- Registered Nurse licensed in the State of Florida. Licensure requirements met within 60 days of hire for non- Florida hires.
- Knowledge of current theoretical approaches to the delivery of nursing care and established standards subscribed by the American Nurses Association and in accordance with the Florida Nurse Practice Act.
- Ability to participate in developing and implementing organizational strategies to improve delivery of care.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Lee Physician Group stands as an integral component of Lee Health’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care to Southwest Florida. Composed of a multidisciplinary team of more than 1,250 providers, including physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, LPG delivers services across a network that spans acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty centers, all aimed at improving access and health outcomes for communities from Fort Myers through Cape Coral, Naples, and Port Charlotte, FL.
Lee Health and Lee Physician Group
Lee Health has been at the heart of healthcare in Southwest Florida for more than a century, initially growing from a modest facility into one of Florida’s largest nonprofit health systems. Today, the system serves as the backbone of care in Fort Myers and the surrounding region, operating four acute-care hospitals (all four hospitals maintain Leapfrog A ratings): Lee Memorial Hospital (336 beds), Health Park Medical Center (326 beds), Cape Coral Hospital (303 beds), and Gulf Coast Medical Center (699 beds); along with three specialty hospitals, including Golisano Children’s Hospital and two inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. Additionally, the System’s employed physician enterprise, Lee Physician Group (LPG), offers a network of 1,250+ providers. LPG’s footprint includes over 90+ clinic practice locations dispersed throughout Lee County. These clinics are complemented by provider teams embedded within Lee Health’s hospitals.
Looking to the future, Lee Health continues to expand its reach and capabilities. A new state-of-the-art hospital campus in Fort Myers, expected to open in 2028, will bring more than 230 beds, a large emergency department, surgical suites, and outpatient facilities, along with wellness amenities and specialized medical offices. Built with hurricane resilience and long-term growth in mind, the campus reflects the system’s ongoing commitment to innovation and community service.