Many hospitals have consolidated their resources in an effort to remain financially solvent and provide a broader range of care throughout the continuum. The economically competitive healthcare environment has prompted hospital executives and members of the governing board to make the decision to consolidate with other organizations. Mergers have given rise to large health systems in an effort to gain market strength, share services, and implement best practices between hospitals. One outcome of these consolidations is the creation of the corporate chief nursing officer (CCNO) role. What are the expectations of this role? How does the CCNO interact with chief nurse executives at the individual hospital campus? Will this role be sustained in the future? How will a CCNO's success be measured?The complexity of large health systems requires that structures and processes be congruent to ensure that nursing care is delivered within the framework of evidence-based pratice, with an emphasis on delivering the best possible quality at the lowest possible cost. The primary role of the CCNO is to standardize, develop, and ensure the appropriate translation of evidence-based care into daily practice throughout the health system continuum.There are virtually no studies or published literature on the scope and standards for this position because the CCNO role is relatively new. Many seasoned nurse executives are assuming this role and are charged with the task of creating position descriptions that delineate their responsibilities and measures for success. The primary responsibilities of this position should be strategic, not operational, to ensure sustained goal attainment.