Vice President, Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

Competition Number: 2025-NON-054

Hours: 1.00 FTE Monday to Friday day shift, with the ability to work flexible hours

Classification: VPPC

Department: Administration

Closing Date: Friday, January 23, 2026

The Lake of the Woods District Hospital is seeking a strong and proactive leader to serve as the Interim Vice President, Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). Reporting to the President and CEO, the successful incumbent will hold direct responsibility and accountability for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and management of the delivery of patient centred care across the assigned programs at Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH) temporarily. This role oversees all nursing departments including Rehabilitation, Pharmacy and the full scope of the Mental Health & Addictions portfolio.

This interim position is vital in supporting the implementation of the Hospital’s Clinical Management Study recommendations, which focus on optimizing organizational structure to strengthen patient care leadership. Key priorities in this role will be to guide internal reorganization efforts, support potential external recruitment, and play a key role in fostering stability within both the Clinical Services Program.

Providing central professional leadership to all nursing professional staff, the successful individual will create within and inform on key areas including the nursing practice vision, strategy, and direction. As a key team member on the executive team, the incumbent will advise senior leadership and the board of directors on a wide range of nursing clinical and professional practice issues and initiatives.

The incumbent will bring to this role a high level of professionalism, composure, diplomacy, and flexibility, and will operate effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. It also requires significant experience with change management and advancing the provision of clinical services in an acute hospital setting. Visionary, strategic thinker and planner, Willing to challenge the status quo to innovate patient care processes and services.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional professionalism, composure, diplomacy, and adaptability, thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. As a visionary and strategic thinker, the successful individual will plan for the future and challenge the status quo to drive innovation in patient care processes and services.

Lake of the Woods Districts Hospital EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• HOOPP Pension
• Health Benefits
• Group Life Insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability
• MAT/Parental Leave Top Up
• Vacation/Pay in Lieu Of
• Fitness Facilities
• Staff Physio
• Wellness Committee
• Sunshine Club
• Professional Development
• Grant Eligibility
• EAP
• Relocation Support

Why Work with LWDH? In this position, there are many benefits to joining our team:

• Flexibility to negotiate work/life balance arrangements
• Five (5) weeks paid vacation pro-rated
• Five (5) discretionary days per year
• Relocation and accommodation packages and support
• Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan enrolment, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans that includes inflation protections, survivor benefits, buyback options, and early retirement
• Desjardin Group Life Insurance coverage that includes life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and short/long-term disability coverage
• Green Shield Canada extended health benefits for single and family including dental/orthodontic services, prescription, health services, vision, hospital accommodation, etc.
• Access to staff physiotherapy, onsite gym, Employee Assistance Program, staff wellness initiatives, and much more!

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in a health profession, health administration or related field
• Master’s in nursing preferred
• Member in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario and the RNAO preferred
• Evidence of progressive health care leadership experience with a demonstrated collaborative, team-based approach
• Minimum 10 years of recent clinical and professional practice combined with a minimum of five (5) years of progressive administrative leadership positions
• Extensive experience in change management and in advancing clinical services within an acute hospital setting
• Self-directed, initiative-taking leader with ability to solve complex problems and lead innovative solutions for best care
• Knowledge and expertise on a broad range of challenges regarding nursing (such as best practices; models of care; patient safety; process improvement and returning time to care)
• Excellent knowledge and application of Patient Family Centred Care principles and practices
• Strong emotional intelligence and ability to self-manage
• Proficiency in various software applications, specifically Microsoft Suites
• Exceptional interpersonal and public relations skills
• Excellent written/oral communication
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing continuing education and professional development
• Demonstrated reliable attendance record

We thank all applicants for their interest but advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Qualified applicants may be considered for other comparable positions or within the same classification other than this posted position. Please prepare your application in accordance with the qualifications posted in the job advertisement.

LWDH is a proud and active partner in the All Nations Health Partners Ontario Health Team, working collaboratively towards the development of a seamless, patient-centre healthcare system. Applications will be screened based on the posted qualifications. LWDH is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion and belongingness in our operations, throughout our workplace, and seeks to employ individuals who are committed to and value these principles. We believe in and promote the rights of all persons with disabilities as outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

(AODA 2005) and its related Accessibility Standards Regulations. To meet this responsibility, LWDH will make appropriate accommodations, including alternative formats available. Please inform Human Resources of any accommodation(s) at any point throughout the recruitment and selection process to ensure your equal participation. LWDH values the importance of creating a workplace that reflects the population it serves and promotes the representation of the Employment Equity groups as outlined by the Employment Equity Act (1993). Applicants are encouraged to self-declare at the time of application.