Assistant Chief Nursing Officer ACNO

Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO)

Our client is a 25-bed Critical Access not-for-profit hospital located centrally in California, minutes to wine country and over 300 wineries!

A well-respected community healthcare system on California’s Central Coast is seeking an accomplished nursing leader to serve as Assistant Chief Nursing Officer. Reporting directly to the CNO, you will co-lead nursing operations, drive quality and safety initiatives, and shape the strategic direction of patient care services.

This organization offers what many nurse executives are looking for: real decision-making authority, a collaborative and transparent culture, minimal bureaucracy, and a location where work‑life balance is the norm—not a slogan. Signing bonus and relocation assistance are available.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the CNO to set strategic direction for nursing services; serve as acting CNO in their absence
• Oversee daily nursing operations, staffing, budgets, and resource allocation across patient care areas
• Lead quality improvement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance programs (CMS, Joint Commission/HFAP, Title 22, CA BRN)
• Mentor and develop nursing managers, directors, and emerging leaders; drive recruitment and retention strategies
• Represent nursing at the executive and board level; collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams
• Champion evidence-based practice, clinical innovation, and a culture of shared governance

Qualifications

Required

• Active California RN license (or eligibility for endorsement)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• 5+ years of progressive nursing leadership, including 3+ years at a management or director level in acute care
• Demonstrated expertise in quality improvement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance
• Strong budget management and operational planning experience

Preferred

• MSN, DNP, or related advanced degree
• Nurse Executive certification (NE-BC or NEA-BC)
• Community or critical access hospital experience
• Bilingual English/Spanish

What Sets This Opportunity Apart

Culture & Career

• Inclusive, family-like team culture built on trust and accountability
• Less bureaucratic than large systems — your voice and decisions matter
• Highly-qualified, stable staff with strong engagement and retention
• Direct executive visibility and meaningful strategic impact

Compensation & Lifestyle

• Market-competitive salary with signing bonus and relocation
• Generous PTO, comprehensive benefits, and CE support
• 300 sunny days/year on the Central Coast — beaches, wine country, national parks within 30–80 miles
• An environment where work‑life balance is built into the culture

Confidential Inquiries

Interested candidates are invited to submit a confidential resume and cover letter. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.

For confidential consideration, reply directly or request a private discussion.

Click here to apply online