Assistant Chief Nursing Officer

Job Description

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.

As part of the CNO Development Program, this position will require relocation outside of Sahuarita, AZ within an acceptable timeframe for promotion / transfer.

Essential Functions

• Assists the Chief Nursing Officer in providing leadership to nurse employees that will enroll their support, create ownership of goals, and have them actively participate in decisions that improve hospital safety, patient satisfaction, quality of care, financial and employee retention metrics.
• Assists the CNO in establishing standards for nursing practices and maintain authority, accountability and responsibility for nursing services.
• Develops organizational patient care programs, policies and procedures that describe how nursing care is assessed, delivered and evaluated.
• Assists the CNO in developing and managing the nursing services budget and ensuring sufficient number of qualified staff to assess patient needs.
• Assists the CNO in managing costs by continually seeking data that will identify opportunities and take action to eliminate non-value costs.
• Assist the CNO in maintaining necessary regulatory and compliance approvals and quality accreditations.
• Analyzes clinical areas in planning, promoting and conducting organization-wide performance improvement activities.
• Assists in planning new services that generate additional sources of profitable revenue.
• Partners with physicians who use or will use the hospital.
• Creates an environment that will encourage recruiting and retention of clinical employees.
• Observe professional ethics in maintaining confidential information acquired concerning the personal, financial, medical or employment of patients, families and employees.
• Must follow and enforce accepted safety practices.
• Must report safety hazards and initiate appropriate action.
• May represent nursing services in designing and providing patient care and services.
• Represents the hospital at medical staff meetings, hospital board of director meetings, community meetings and patient visits as well as requested.
• Develops business acumen, leadership, hospital operations and clinical knowledge necessary to advance to the CNO level.
• 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 Nursing from an accredited institution required and
• Master's Degree in Nursing, Business Administration or similar field required or
• Must possess both an Associate’s degree in Nursing from an accredited institution AND a Master’s degree in Nursing required
• 5-7 years of nursing experience, with at least 3-5 years in a director-level role required

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