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; 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