Assistant Chief Nursing Officer ACNO
San Francisco CA
3/05/2026
Full-Time Regular
Assistant Chief Nursing Officer ACNO
Our client is a 25 bed Critical Access not for profit hospital centrally located in
A well-respected community healthcare system on California’s Central Coast is seeking an accomplished nursing leader to serve as Assistant Chief Nursing Officer. Reporting directly to the CNO, you will co-lead nursing operations, drive quality and safety initiatives, and shape the strategic direction of patient care services.
This organization offers what many nurse executives are looking for: real decision-making authority, a collaborative and transparent culture, minimal bureaucracy, and a location where work-life balance is the norm—not a slogan. Signing bonus and relocation assistance are available.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Partner with the CNO to set strategic direction for nursing services; serve as acting CNO in their absence
- Oversee daily nursing operations, staffing, budgets, and resource allocation across patient care areas
- Lead quality improvement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance programs (CMS, Joint Commission/HFAP, Title 22, CA BRN)
- Mentor and develop nursing managers, directors, and emerging leaders; drive recruitment and retention strategies
- Represent nursing at the executive and board level; collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams
- Champion evidence-based practice, clinical innovation, and a culture of shared governance
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Active California RN license (or eligibility for endorsement)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- 5+ years of progressive nursing leadership, including 3+ years at a management or director level in acute care
- Demonstrated expertise in quality improvement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance
- Strong budget management and operational planning experience
Preferred
- MSN, DNP, or related advanced degree
- Nurse Executive certification (NE-BC or NEA-BC)
- Community or critical access hospital experience
- Bilingual English/Spanish
WHAT SETS THIS OPPORTUNITY APART
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CULTURE & CAREER |
COMPENSATION & LIFESTYLE |
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Inclusive, family-like team culture built on trust and accountability Less bureaucratic than large systems — your voice and decisions matter Highly-qualified, stable staff with strong engagement and retention Direct executive visibility and meaningful strategic impact |
Market-competitive salary with signing bonus and relocation Generous PTO, comprehensive benefits, and CE support 300 sunny days/year on the Central Coast — beaches, wine country, national parks within 30–80 miles An environment where work-life balance is built into the culture |
CONFIDENTIAL INQUIRIES
Interested candidates are invited to submit a confidential resume and cover letter. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.
For confidential consideration, reply directly or request a private discussion.