Assistant Chief Nursing Officer

Associate Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO)The Associate Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) is a key leader and strategic partner to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), accountable for driving clinical excellence, operational performance, workforce stability, and the overall patient and family experience. The ACNO holds responsibility for inpatient nursing operations and hospital throughput, including capacity management, bed placement, and staffing strategy, and designated clinical and ancillary support services. This role is accountable for translating organizational and nursing strategies into measurable operational outcomes, ensuring consistent performance, alignment, and accountability across inpatient services. The ACNO serves as a key operational leader responsible for optimizing patient flow, enhancing workforce effectiveness, and advancing quality, safety, and patient experience outcomes. This leader demonstrates strong business acumen, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to lead complex initiatives across a dynamic healthcare environment. The ACNO promotes a culture aligned with the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, Nursing Scope, and Standards of Practice, and the AONL Nurse Leader Core Competency Model, fostering a professional practice environment grounded in collaboration, accountability, and excellence.Reports to: VP for Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing OfficerDirect Oversight: Inpatient Nursing Operations, Nursing Office/Supervisory Functions, and designated clinical and ancillary support services (including Pharmacy, Respiratory Therapy, and other services as defined by organizational structure and strategic priorities. Required Education/Training: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field Required Licenses/Certification: Current Massachusetts RN licensureRequired Qualifications and Skills:Minimum of 10 years of progressive nursing leadership experienceMinimum of 5 years of Director-level (or equivalent senior leadership) experience in acute careDemonstrated experience in inpatient operations, throughput, capacity management, and staffing strategyExperience leading interdisciplinary teams and overseeing clinical support servicesStrong data analytics, financial acumen, and performance management expertiseExcellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skillsAbility to lead change, manage complexity, and drive organizational resultsKey Responsibilities:Executive Leadership & Strategic PartnershipServes as a strategic partner to the CNO in the development and execution of organizational and nursing prioritiesRepresents the CNO in organizational, medical staff, and operational leadership forumsProvides leadership continuity and decision-making support in the absence of the CNOTranslates system strategy into operational execution across inpatient servicesInpatient Operations, Throughput & Capacity ManagementHolds enterprise accountability for inpatient operations, patient flow, throughput, and capacity managementEstablishes standards and accountability for bed placement, patient assignment, and patient progression processesLeads hospital-wide initiatives to eliminate delays, optimize throughput, and maximize capacity utilizationDrives performance improvement in key metrics, including length of stay, discharge efficiency, and patient accessOversees interdisciplinary coordination to ensure seamless patient movement across the continuum of careStaffing & Workforce StrategyAccountable for enterprise inpatient staffing strategy, including staffing models, resource deployment, and skill mix alignmentLeads workforce stabilization initiatives focused on retention, engagement, and staffing sustainabilityDrives reduction in contract labor and optimization of workforce productivity and efficiencyEstablishes clear expectations and accountability for staffing aligned with acuity and operational demandAdvances leadership development and succession planning to ensure a strong pipeline of nursing leadersClinical & Ancillary Services IntegrationProvides oversight for inpatient nursing operations and designated clinical and ancillary support services, including Pharmacy, Respiratory Therapy, and other assigned departmentsEnsures alignment, integration, and performance of clinical and ancillary services to support organizational goalsEstablishes accountability for operational, quality, and service outcomes across these areasPromotes coordinated, efficient, and high-quality care delivery across disciplinesLeads interdisciplinary collaboration to improve operational effectiveness, care standardization, and patient outcomesQuality, Safety & PerformanceHolds accountability for quality, patient safety, and patient experience outcomes across inpatient nursing and designated ancillary servicesOwns enterprise performance metrics, ensuring transparency, monitoring, and execution of improvement plansDrives system-wide performance improvement initiatives and ensures consistent follow-throughEnsures regulatory compliance and continuous survey readiness across inpatient servicesNursing Excellence & Professional PracticeAdvances nursing excellence through professional governance, evidence-based practice, and Magnet readinessStrong partnership with clinical practice and professional development leaders to align education, competency, and standardsPromotes innovation, engagement, and continuous advancement of nursing practiceAligns professional practice outcomes with quality, safety, and patient experience resultsCollaboration Across the Care ContinuumPartners with physicians, case management, finance, and operational leaders to improve outcomes and patient experienceStrengthens coordination across inpatient, outpatient, and community-based servicesLeads initiatives to improve transitions of care, access, and continuityLeadership & Talent DevelopmentRecruits, develops, and retains high-performing nursing and clinical leaders across inpatient and ancillary servicesProvides coaching, performance oversight, and succession planningPromotes a culture of accountability, engagement, and high performanceBuilds leadership alignment and organizational capabilityFinancial & Operational PerformanceAccountable for labor management, cost of care, and resource utilization across inpatient and designated ancillary servicesDrives operational efficiency aligned with organizational quality, access, and financial goalsEnsures responsible stewardship of organizational resources while maintaining safety and care standardsPreferred Qualifications and Skills:Advanced certification in nursing leadership (e.g., NEA-BC, NE-BC, or equivalent)Other duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Age and Diversity Related Criteria: Consistently treats patients, colleagues and visitors with dignity and respect, while being sensitive to the differing needs of all age groups, backgrounds, characteristics, and cultures.Ability to Fulfill Job Expectations: Must have the ability to perform essential functions of the position, including required work hours, locations, and physical demands, without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves or other individuals in the workplace, and without reasonable accommodation.