Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) – ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital

This is more than a Chief Nursing Officer role. It's an opportunity to help shape the future of behavioral healthcare in Eastern North Carolina.

If you're a nursing executive who is passionate about building exceptional clinical teams, driving quality outcomes, and influencing organizational strategy, we invite you to explore this exciting leadership opportunity with ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital.

As Chief Nursing Officer, you'll serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, partnering closely with the CEO and senior leaders to advance clinical excellence, strengthen nursing culture, improve patient outcomes, and support the continued growth of the hospital.

Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital provides comprehensive inpatient behavioral healthcare services within a safe, patient-centered environment. The hospital offers specialized treatment for adults experiencing mental health challenges, including individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders and intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Conveniently situated in one of North Carolina's fastest-growing healthcare communities, ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital is committed to delivering evidence-based care, restoring hope, and helping patients achieve lasting wellness. As part of a collaboration between ECU Health and Acadia Healthcare, the hospital benefits from the resources, expertise, and support of one of the nation's leading behavioral healthcare organizations.

As Chief Nursing Officer, you'll enjoy:

• A true seat at the executive leadership table
• Direct partnership with the CEO, Medical Director, and senior leadership team
• The opportunity to influence hospital-wide clinical and operational strategy
• Autonomy to build, mentor, and develop a high-performing nursing organization
• Access to executive nursing leadership support and mentorship
• The ability to make a lasting impact on patient outcomes, employee engagement, and organizational success
• Opportunities to participate in growth initiatives and service line expansion

Executive Leadership & Development

• Executive mentorship from experienced healthcare leaders
• Access to leadership development and succession planning programs
• Collaboration with behavioral health experts across a national network
• Exposure to best practices in psychiatric nursing and clinical operations
• Opportunities to contribute to strategic initiatives at both the facility and organizational levels

Career Growth

Whether your goal is to continue expanding your influence as a hospital nursing executive or pursue future opportunities in regional or corporate healthcare leadership, we are committed to investing in your professional growth and development.

Comprehensive Rewards

• Relocation Assistance and/or Sign-On Bonus
• Competitive Executive Compensation Package
• Annual Incentive Bonus Opportunity
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Executive Benefits Program
• Employee Wellness and Mental Health Resources

Your Impact

• Driving nursing strategy, clinical quality, and operational excellence
• Building, coaching, and mentoring nursing leaders and frontline teams
• Ensuring compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, state, and regulatory standards
• Leading workforce planning, staffing, scheduling, and resource management initiatives
• Partnering with physicians and multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care outcomes
• Monitoring quality indicators and leading performance improvement efforts
• Supporting employee engagement, retention, and leadership development
• Influencing organizational strategy and long-term planning
• Fostering a culture of accountability, compassion, safety, and patient-centered care

The Leader We're Looking For

• Inspire, develop, and empower high-performing teams
• Lead with accountability, integrity, and empathy
• Balance strategic vision with operational execution
• Thrive in dynamic healthcare environments
• Build strong relationships across multidisciplinary teams
• Are passionate about behavioral health and improving patient outcomes
• Understand how to create sustainable organizational change through people development and clinical excellence
• Believe leadership is about serving others and helping teams reach their highest potential

Qualifications

• Active RN License (NC or eligible for reciprocity).
• Proven Nursing Leadership (CNO, DON, or equivalent).
• Behavioral Health Experience in an inpatient psychiatric setting (required).
• Strategic & Operational Expertise with strong interpersonal skills.
• BSN required; MSN or mental health nursing preferred.
• 6+ years RN experience (10+ preferred).
• 3+ years progressive nursing management.
• 2+ years behavioral health RN experience in inpatient psychiatry.

Join Us

This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished nursing executive to lead during an exciting chapter of growth and innovation while helping improve access to high-quality behavioral healthcare across Eastern North Carolina.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We proudly provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Thank You for Your Interest

We appreciate your interest in joining ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital. Every application is carefully reviewed, and we thank all candidates for considering a career with our organization.