Associate Chief Nursing Officer

Job Description: Associate Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO)

Location: Holyoke, MA
Specialty: Nursing Behavioral Health / Inpatient Psychiatry
Shift: Days
Duration: 13 Weeks (with potential for extension)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Associate Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) to join our leadership team in an inpatient psychiatric setting. The ACNO will work closely with the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) to oversee nursing services, ensure quality of patient care, and support strategic initiatives aligned with the mission and vision of the organization. This role serves as a key leadership pathway for advancement to a Chief Nursing Officer position.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the CNO with executive-level management of nursing resources, policies, and procedures in compliance with professional and regulatory standards.
• Lead and support performance improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and care outcomes.
• Collaborate across departments to foster open communication, problem-solving, and joint improvement projects.
• Manage nursing operations efficiently by identifying opportunities for cost-effectiveness and eliminating non-value processes.
• Oversee assigned projects, keeping leadership updated on progress and outcomes.
• Participate in planning and execution of facility renovations or new construction of patient care areas.
• Partner with nursing educators to ensure staff development, onboarding, and continuing education.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with physicians and interdisciplinary care providers to set and achieve patient care goals.
• Ensure adherence to inpatient psychiatric care standards , while supporting staff and patient engagement.
• Perform other leadership duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor s degree in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Current, unrestricted Massachusetts RN license .
• Minimum 5 years of management or supervisory experience in a hospital or direct patient care setting (at least 3 of the last 5 years in a leadership role).
• Inpatient psychiatric nursing experience required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in:
• Physical assessment
• Medication administration
• Infection control & patient safety
• Patient/family education
• Performance improvement initiatives
• EMR experience (EPIC preferred).

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Master s degree in Nursing or Healthcare Administration (preferred, not required).
• Experience in behavioral health leadership at the director or higher level.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package including:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employer-paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support

Additional Details

• Must be willing to float to similar or lower-acuity units if needed.
• Holiday and weekend coverage required (every other).
• Patient population ranges from adult to adolescent psychiatric care .