Assistant Chief Nursing Officer ACNO
Assistant Chief Nursing Officer ACNOOur client is a 25 bed Critical Access not for profit hospital centrally located in California. Minutes to wine country and over 300 wineries!A well-respected community healthcare system on California's Central Coast is seeking an accomplished nursing leader to serve as Assistant Chief Nursing Officer. Reporting directly to the CNO, you will co-lead nursing operations, drive quality and safety initiatives, and shape the strategic direction of patient care services.This organization offers what many nurse executives are looking for: real decision-making authority, a collaborative and transparent culture, minimal bureaucracy, and a location where work-life balance is the norm-not a slogan. Signing bonus and relocation assistance are available.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESPartner with the CNO to set strategic direction for nursing services; serve as acting CNO in their absenceOversee daily nursing operations, staffing, budgets, and resource allocation across patient care areasLead quality improvement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance programs (CMS, Joint Commission/HFAP, Title 22, CA BRN)Mentor and develop nursing managers, directors, and emerging leaders; drive recruitment and retention strategiesRepresent nursing at the executive and board level; collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary teamsChampion evidence-based practice, clinical innovation, and a culture of shared governance QUALIFICATIONSRequiredActive California RN license (or eligibility for endorsement)Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)5+ years of progressive nursing leadership, including 3+ years at a management or director level in acute careDemonstrated expertise in quality improvement, patient safety, and regulatory complianceStrong budget management and operational planning experiencePreferredMSN, DNP, or related advanced degreeNurse Executive certification (NE-BC or NEA-BC)Community or critical access hospital experienceBilingual English/SpanishWHAT SETS THIS OPPORTUNITY APARTCULTURE & CAREERCOMPENSATION & LIFESTYLEInclusive, family-like team culture built on trust and accountabilityLess bureaucratic than large systems - your voice and decisions matterHighly-qualified, stable staff with strong engagement and retentionDirect executive visibility and meaningful strategic impactMarket-competitive salary with signing bonus and relocationGenerous PTO, comprehensive benefits, and CE support300 sunny days/year on the Central Coast - beaches, wine country, national parks within 30-80 milesAn environment where work-life balance is built into the cultureCONFIDENTIAL INQUIRIESInterested candidates are invited to submit a confidential resume and cover letter. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.For confidential consideration, reply directly or request a private discussion.