Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) - Behavioral Health

Description 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

Requirements Education:

BSN required; Master's preferred

Licensure:

Current RN license in Tennessee (or eligible)

Experience:

• 3-5 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