Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

Overview Lakeland Behavioral Health | Springfield, MO (Relocation Assistance Available) Lead With Purpose. Elevate Behavioral Health Care in Southwest Missouri. Are you a mission‑driven nursing executive ready to lead clinical excellence at a high‑impact behavioral health hospital? Lakeland Behavioral Health, part of Acadia Healthcare, is seeking a strategic, compassionate, and operationally strong Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) to lead nursing practice and drive exceptional patient outcomes across our continuum of care. About Lakeland Behavioral Health Lakeland Behavioral Health is a premier inpatient psychiatric hospital serving children, adolescents, and adults with behavioral health and substance use needs. Located in Springfield, Missouri, we provide evidence‑based, trauma‑informed care in a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment. Our multidisciplinary teams deliver individualized care across a comprehensive continuum of services, including: Inpatient psychiatric care for children, adolescents & adults Residential treatment services Acute crisis stabilization Medication management and psychiatric care Behavioral, experiential, and therapeutic programming designed to support long‑term recovery Your Impact as CNO As CNO, you will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, accountable for both clinical excellence and operational performance. You will: Drive nursing strategy and operational excellence Mentor and develop clinical leaders across all units Ensure compliance with TJC, CMS, and regulatory standards Oversee budgets, staffing, and workforce planning Collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary teams Monitor clinical outcomes and champion continuous improvement Influence executive decision‑making and long‑term strategic planning Why You’ll Love This Role Relocation Assistance and/or Sign‑On Bonus Professional Growth & Career Pathing – From Corporate Nursing to CEO‑in‑Training, your development is our priority Executive Mentorship – Paired with a corporate nurse executive from day one Comprehensive Health Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match Generous PTO – Includes vacation, holidays, extended sick leave, and mental health days Industry‑Leading Training & Support – Ongoing development and leadership support How We’ll Support You Lakeland Behavioral Health combines the strength of a national healthcare system with the agility of a local hospital. You’ll receive hands‑on support from: Local executive leadership team Corporate nurse leadership for mentorship and strategic guidance Dedicated recruiting support to help you build a high‑performing clinical team Qualifications Required: Active RN license (FL or eligible for reciprocity) Master’s degree in nursing or mental health nursing strongly preferred. Bachelor’s degree in nursing or commensurate experience required. 10 + Years Preferred Six years registered nursing experience required. Nursing leadership experience in a freestanding psychiatric hospital strongly preferred. Prior CNO/DON experience strongly preferred Two years behavioral health experience as and RN in an inpatient psychiatric setting required Three years of progressive nursing management or administrative nursing experience required Ready to Lead Change in Missouri? Take the next step in your leadership journey and help shape the future of behavioral health care at Lakeland Behavioral Health in Springfield, MO. We are committed to inclusion and equity. Acadia Healthcare is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr