Assistant Chief Nursing Officer

Job Summary

The Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight to nursing departments, ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care and adherence to regulatory and organizational standards. Reporting to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), the ACNO collaborates with senior leadership, department managers, and frontline staff to enhance clinical outcomes, promote a culture of excellence, and drive nursing initiatives that align with the hospital’s mission and strategic goals. The ACNO plays a key role in workforce development, financial stewardship, and patient experience, fostering innovation and continuous improvement within nursing services.

Licensure and Certification:

• Current California RN license.
• Workplace violence/de-escalation training required.

Education:

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN).
• Preferred: Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN), Healthcare Administration (MHA), or Business Administration (MBA).
• Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Certification in nursing leadership (e.g., CNML - Certified Nurse Manager and Leader, NE-BC - Nurse Executive Board Certified, or NEA-BC - Nurse Executive Advanced Board Certified) preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nursing administration, including experience as a Nurse Director, Administrative Director, or similar role in an acute care hospital.
• Strong knowledge of hospital operations, patient care management, and regulatory compliance (e.g., The Joint Commission, CMS, state and federal regulations).
• Experience with budget management, quality improvement initiatives, and staff development in a healthcare setting.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Leadership & Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to drive nursing excellence, implement change initiatives, and enhance patient outcomes.
• Financial Acumen: Experience in budget planning, resource allocation, and operational efficiency.
• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge: Strong understanding of accreditation and regulatory standards affecting nursing practice.
• Communication & Collaboration: Ability to foster interdisciplinary teamwork and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Analytical skills to assess complex issues, develop solutions, and drive continuous improvement.
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), data analytics, and hospital management systems.