Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Behavioral Health

Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) to lead nursing operations and drive excellence in patient-centered behavioral health care. The CNO is responsible for establishing the strategic vision for nursing practice while ensuring the delivery of safe timely efficient equitable and high-quality patient care across the organization.

This executive leadership role partners closely with interdisciplinary treatment teams physicians department leaders and administration to support operational excellence regulatory compliance staff development and exceptional clinical outcomes.

The ideal candidate will bring strong behavioral health leadership experience a collaborative leadership style and a passion for developing high-performing nursing teams.

• Establish and lead the strategic vision for nursing practice and patient care delivery
• Ensure delivery of safe patient-centered care that addresses physical psychosocial developmental cultural and age-specific patient needs
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and hospital leadership to improve patient outcomes and operational effectiveness
• Direct supervise and evaluate nursing personnel and departmental operations
• Develop and implement nursing policies procedures protocols and quality initiatives in compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards
• Oversee nursing department operations staffing budgeting and resource allocation
• Monitor census acuity and staffing levels to ensure safe and effective patient care coverage
• Lead recruitment hiring onboarding performance management and staff development initiatives
• Foster a culture of accountability professionalism collaboration and service excellence
• Serve as a role model for patient safety customer service and leadership integrity
• Evaluate departmental performance and implement continuous improvement strategies
• Participate in strategic planning and organizational leadership initiatives
• Provide direct patient care support as needed

• Bachelors degree in Nursing or equivalent experience required
• Masters degree in Nursing Mental Health Nursing or related field strongly preferred

• Minimum 6 years of RN experience required; 10 years preferred
• Minimum 2 years of behavioral health nursing experience in an inpatient psychiatric setting required
• Minimum 3 years of progressive nursing leadership or administrative experience required
• Previous Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or Director of Nursing (DON) experience strongly preferred
• Leadership experience in a freestanding psychiatric hospital strongly preferred

• Strong strategic leadership and operational management abilities
• Expertise in behavioral health nursing operations and regulatory compliance
• Proven ability to lead mentor and develop nursing teams
• Excellent communication conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
• Experience with budgeting staffing optimization and performance improvement initiatives
• Commitment to patient safety quality outcomes and compassionate care delivery
• Ability to lead effectively in fast-paced and evolving healthcare environments

CredTALENT is dedicated to transforming the way healthcare professionals and organizations connect in pursuit of excellence in patient care. With a laser focus on the healthcare industry we provide tailored recruitment solutions that cater to the unique needs and aspirations of both healthcare candidates and healthcare institutions. We view our relationships with candidates as long-term partnerships. We are passionate about the healthcare industry and our mission is to help healthcare professionals make a meaningful impact. Your success is our success and we are here to support you at every stage of your healthcare career journey. Call us today at . With the Right Talent Great Things Can Happen