Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Behavioral Health

Job Title: Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

Setting: Inpatient psych

Location: Ripley TN (Onsite)

Salary: $95K-110K

Position Summary

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is responsible for the overall leadership direction and daily operations of nursing services within the hospital. This is a working leadership role requiring both administrative oversight and direct clinical support as needed to ensure safe high-quality patient care.

The CNO ensures compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations including CMS Conditions of Participation and Tennessee behavioral health requirements.

Essential Job Functions

Leadership & Operations

Oversees daily nursing operations and staffing for inpatient behavioral health services

Provides hands-on leadership and assists with patient care as needed

Ensures appropriate staffing levels and skill mix

Participates in on-call coverage

Clinical Oversight

Ensures safe therapeutic and patient-centered care

Monitors patient care practices documentation and outcomes

Supports a safe environment including de-escalation practices

Ensures implementation of provider orders and treatment plans

Regulatory Compliance

Maintains compliance with CMS Conditions of Participation and Tennessee regulations

Ensures policies and procedures are current and followed

Participates in survey readiness and plan of correction activities

Quality & Performance Improvement

Participates in QAPI activities

Monitors quality indicators and implements improvements

Reviews incidents grievances and patient concerns

Staff Management

Hires supervises and evaluates nursing staff

Provides coaching discipline and performance management

Ensures completion of required education and competencies

Collaboration

Works with medical staff administration and departments

Participates in leadership meetings and committees

Education: BSN required; Masters preferred

Licensure: Current RN license in Tennessee (or eligible)

Experience:

35 years nursing leadership experience

Behavioral health experience required

Hospital experience preferred

Physical & Mental Requirements

Ability to stand walk and move throughout the facility

Ability to assist with patient care activities including potential behavioral health interventions

Ability to respond to emergencies including behavioral crises

Ability to lift push or pull up to 25 pounds (or more with assistance)

Ability to manage multiple priorities and stressful situations

Work Environment

Hospital setting with exposure to behavioral health patients

Potential exposure to aggressive or unpredictable behaviors

Requires flexibility in schedule including evenings weekends and on-call

Employment Conditions

Employee must maintain all required licensure and certifications

Employee must comply with all hospital policies including: Confidentiality (HIPAA) and Code of conduct

Employee must complete all required orientation competencies and ongoing education

Performance Expectations

Demonstrates leadership presence and accountability

Maintains compliance with regulatory standards

Supports a culture of safety quality and patient-centered care

Meets established performance and quality goals