The Chief Nursing Officer Institute is a four-day immersive leadership development program for aspiring, new, and existing CNOs. You'll engage with nurse leaders from across the country, gain practical strategies grounded in real-world experience, and prepare to meet the complex challenges facing healthcare today.

Whether you're stepping into your first CNO role or navigating your fifth year in the seat, this program meets you where you are.

Why Attend the CNOI?

The CNOI offers a distinctive, immersive leadership experience, including:

• Leadership strategies grounded in the latest research and tested in real CNO roles
• Networking opportunities with healthcare leaders shaping the future
• Actionable strategies you can bring back and use right away
• Small cohorts (25-35 participants) that allow for deeper engagement, candid dialogue, and direct access to seasoned CNO faculty

What You'll Gain

Over four days, you'll move through a progressive learning experience designed to strengthen you as a leader—from the inside out.

You'll reconnect with your "why," build confidence in navigating complex decisions, and gain practical strategies for team leadership, financial acumen, and organizational influence. Through presentations, case studies, small group work, and candid discussions with peers facing the same challenges, you'll leave with field-tested tools you can use immediately—and a renewed sense of clarity about the leader you want to be.

Program Details

Dates: April 19–22, 2026
Location: The Cooper Hotel & Conference Center, Dallas, TX
Investment: $4,000 | Early Bird (before February 15th): $3,500
Does not include travel, lodging, or meals.

Continuing Education: 25 CE credits available
Attendance: Full participation across all four days is required to gain the most from the experience, as each session builds on the last.

Who Should Apply: This program is designed for current CNOs and senior nurse leaders who are being actively prepared or considered for a CNO role. If you're aspiring to become a CNO, you should be in a senior nurse leadership role where CNO responsibilities are on your near-term horizon—whether through formal succession planning or your own strategic preparation.

Register

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at: events@thenurseslegacyinstitute.org

We believe the most meaningful leadership development happens when the room reflects the full range of today's healthcare landscape—across roles, settings, and perspectives. When nurse leaders from diverse backgrounds come together, the result is sharper thinking, unexpected insights, and connections that last.

We offer scholarships to ensure cost doesn't limit who can participate.

Eligibility

You're eligible to apply if you meet one or more of the following:

• Currently serve in a senior nurse leadership role or are aspiring to, new to, or established in a CNO position
• Work in a rural hospital, community health center, or an organization with limited development funding
• Bring a perspective or background underrepresented in traditional leadership programs

How to Apply

Complete the online application and include a letter from your organization indicating what financial support, if any, they can provide. Applications close March 15th. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis—submit early for best consideration.

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