Assistant Chief Nursing Officer

General Summary/basic PURPOSE OF JOB:
Accountable for the development and management of nursing leadership within the hospital locations. Works with the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) in establishing standards of nursing practice for hospital-wide use and then takes lead accountability in assuring that they are implemented, measured and continuously improved. Assists in the management of resources, strategic planning and development of policies and procedures which ensure congruence with the mission and vision of the organization It is an expectation that the ACNO will progressively demonstrate and exceed competencies in domains for health care leadership, communication and relationship management, knowledge of the health care environment, leadership, professionalism, and business skills and principles.
Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to: Chief Nursing Officer
• Provides Supervision to: Directors of Nursing and other direct reports.

Essential Functions and duties

• Directs the activities of Nursing Leadership in the acute care hospitals consistent with the mission of the hospital. Advances nursing practice through excellence in clinical care, education and research, program development, growth of patient care services or compression of services based on market and organizational need, continuous improvement, fiscal oversight and management of capital and human resources. Builds consensus by inspiring and influencing positive behaviors among all employees to promote a shared vision, engagement, common work, and consensus in achieving strategic service line and organization goals. Strong emphasis on the continuum of Quality and Patient Experience in all aspects of his/her job duties.

• Acts as a coach and mentor to Nursing Leadership. Takes direct accountability for the development and performance of the Directors of Nursing and other direct reports. Assures that effective coaching and mentoring is being provided to the Nurse Manager and Nursing Supervisors. Assures that appropriate support is in place for coaching, mentoring and development of Educators and Nursing Staff across the hospital locations. Communicates effectively with all levels of nurses, physicians, and other health care professionals both orally and in writing. Formulates mutually agreed upon goals for personal and professional development that are clearly articulated and documented in annual performance appraisals for all direct reports. Ensures that all nurse leaders who conduct annual performance appraisals are held to the same standard.

• Actively involved in creating a professional practice environment that encourages recruitment and retention of staff in the nursing department. Assists in providing leadership to nurse caregivers that will engage their support, create ownership of goals, and have them actively participate in decisions that impact their practice.

• Directs the development of individual cost centers, operation and capital budgets, and negotiates for resources considering the current fiscal and reimbursement environment. Monitors productivity and assesses divisional performance in meeting productivity standards. Monitors and evaluates budgetary activity of labor and non-labor expenses. Reviews at least annually current staffing models and practices and makes appropriate changes if needed based on performance, acuity, fiscal environment and market environment.

• Leads nursing in planning, developing and implementing clinical programs and patient care. The ACNO works jointly with administrators and clinicians across the organization to build a cohesive, focused and dedicated inter-professional leadership and clinical team to accomplish the strategic vision and imperatives. The ACNO also engages patients, families and community stakeholders in redesigning care and services to improve patient outcomes and patient/family experiences.

• Participates and leads the nursing team in developing hospital-wide patient care programs, policies, and procedures that describe how nursing care needs of patients are addressed, evaluated, and met and are aligned with the overall strategic direction, mission, and vision of the organization.

• Develops strategic plan in collaboration with CNO, Nursing Leadership and Shared Governance leaders plans. Manages implementation of core strategies in the hospital environment and serves as a leader for supporting and successfully managing change to meet the requirements of a rapidly changing environment.

• Assesses the overall performance of hospital based nursing, nursing staff engagement and patient outcomes. Drives a culture of continuous performance improvement, shared governance, and staff engagement. Conducts regular safety surveillance rounds with team members to assess workplace safety for patients, families and staff. Maintains a respectful and just culture free, and addresses workplace violence, sexual harassment, verbal and physical abuse, bullying, discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other individual differences with sensitivity, openness and corrective action plans.

• Takes executive accountability for regulatory compliance, and adherence to policy and procedure within all areas of responsibility. The ACNO shall remain current with trends and changes in nursing professional/practice in health environment. The ACNO will ensure that department/staff meet The Joint Commission, Illinois Board of Nursing, Professional Nurse Associations, and other regulator/licensure requirements. Formulates policies and procedures consistent with recognized standards of professional practice and reflecting the intent of regulatory standards.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
MINIMUM Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing.
• Master's degree in Nursing, Health Care Administration, Business Administration, or related field.

MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Five (5) years of staff nurse experience in acute care.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive management experience in acute care setting.
• Ten (10) years of progressive management experience in acute care setting preferred.

REQUIRED LICENSES, Certificates, Registrations:

• Current licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse is required, issued by the IL State Board of Nursing.