Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) - Sahuarita, AZ

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.

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