Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) - Sahuarita, AZ

Northwest Healthcare is an integrated healthcare network committed to delivering Tucson and surrounding communities with quality, accessible healthcare — everything from highly specialized cardiac care and surgical services to more routine primary care.

Essential Functions

• Assists the CNO in providing strategic and operational leadership to nursing services, ensuring quality patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction.

• Supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of nursing standards, policies, and procedures to align with evidence-based practice and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborates with interdisciplinary leadership to align nursing goals with hospital objectives and organizational strategy.

• Supports preparation for accreditation surveys and ensures compliance with The Joint Commission, CMS, and other regulatory requirements.

• Creates and supports initiatives that foster a positive work environment and encourage recruitment and retention of high-performing nursing professionals.

• Represents nursing services in committees, community events, medical staff meetings, and board of director meetings as requested.

• Maintains visibility in clinical areas to monitor quality of care, support staff, and engage with patients and families.

• Develops leadership, operational, and clinical acumen necessary to advance to a Chief Nursing Officer position within the network.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.

• Complies with all policies and standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervision and Staff Management

• Provides leadership, mentorship and professional development opportunities for departmental staff.

• Schedules employees to ensure effective use of resources. Consults with leadership on any potential staffing issues.

• Conducts performance evaluations, sets goals and provides feedback to staff on their performance and development.

• Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight

• Collaborates with hospital leadership to set the strategic direction for the department, including budgeting, resource allocation and long-term planning.

• Monitors expenditures, ensuring cost-effective delivery of services.

• Evaluates and implements new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.

• Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures and protocols to optimize quality and overall efficiencies.

• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies. May oversee the accreditation process with relevant agencies ensuring that services meet or exceed industry standards.

• Participates in audits, inspections and accreditation processes as applicable.

• Follows established quality control practices to ensure accuracy, consistency and safety.

• Collaboration and Communication

• Works closely with leadership teams to coordinate and improve service delivery.

• Stays up-to-date with industry advancements, new technologies, and regulatory changes.

• Staff Responsibilities

• May work in a staff role, when required. Ensures that duties and responsibilities are fulfilled while meeting all competencies established for that job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field required or

• Eight (8) plus years of direct experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree required

• Master's Degree preferred

• 4-6 years of experience in closely related field with Bachelor's degree required

• 5-7 years of previous leadership experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and manage cross-functional relationships.

• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

• Communicate effectively with leadership, team members, and stakeholders.

• Ability to work effectively with others, delegate responsibilities, and independently manage tasks while meeting established deadlines.

• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

• In depth knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory compliance (if applicable).

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft platforms, healthcare software systems, and data analysis tools.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required

Equal Employment Opportunity

This organization does not discriminate in any way to deprive any person of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status of any employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, or military or uniformed services, in accordance with all applicable governmental laws and regulations. In addition, the facility complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to: hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. If you are an applicant with a mental or physical disability who needs a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, contact the director of Human Resources at the facility to which you are seeking employment; Simply go to to obtain the main telephone number of the facility and ask for Human Resources.