Kootenai Health announces Jorgensen as Chief Nursing Officer
Kootenai Health is proud to announce the promotion of Kim Jorgenson, MBA, BSN, NEA-BC, as the organization’s next Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). Jorgenson, a respected and experienced nurse executive, was selected following a comprehensive national search and will begin transitioning into the role this month.
Jorgenson currently serves as executive director of Perioperative and Women and Children’s Services at Kootenai Health and has over 25 years of nursing experience, including more than 17 years in progressive leadership roles. She previously held executive positions at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, Providence St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Medical Center, and Shriners Hospitals for Children in Spokane.
“Kim has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead with vision, integrity, and collaboration,” said Jamie Smith, CEO of Kootenai Health. “Throughout her career, she has championed clinical excellence and team development while advancing the patient care experience. I am confident Kim’s leadership will further elevate nursing practice across our organization.”
Jorgenson has successfully overseen multiple service lines at Kootenai Health, including perioperative services, behavioral health, and the full spectrum of women and children’s care. She has led the implementation of evidence-based initiatives in partnership with the Vermont Oxford Network and the Perinatal Quality Collaborative of Idaho, and was instrumental in achieving accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery.
“It is truly an honor to be selected as Kootenai Health’s Chief Nursing Officer,” Jorgenson said. “I have been privileged to work alongside many talented and dedicated clinicians here, and I look forward to continuing to support our teams as we deliver safe, compassionate care for our community.”
To ensure a smooth leadership transition, Jorgenson will work closely with current CNO Kelly Espinoza over the coming weeks. Kootenai Health has begun the recruitment process for two director-level roles previously led by Jorgenson: director of Women and Children’s Services and director of Perioperative Services.
Jorgenson holds a Master of Business Administration in healthcare management from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Washington State University. She is board-certified as a Nurse Executive Advanced (NEA-BC) and is a graduate of Leadership Spokane.
