Chief Nursing Officer; CNO; Behavioral Health

Description

Job Title: Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

Setting: Inpatient psych

Location: Ripley, TN (Onsite)

Salary: $100-125k

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Participates in QAPI activities
• Monitors quality indicators and implements improvements
• Reviews incidents, grievances, and patient concerns

• Hires, supervises, and evaluates nursing staff
• Provides coaching, discipline, and performance management
• Ensures completion of required education and competencies

• Works with medical staff, administration, and departments
• Participates in leadership meetings and committees

• Education: BSN required;
  Master’s preferred
• Licensure: Current RN license in Tennessee (or eligible)
• 3–5 years nursing leadership experience
• Behavioral health experience required
• Hospital experience preferred

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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