Associate Chief Nursing Officer- Behavioral Health in Haverhill, Massachusetts at Merrimack Health

Position Summary

The Associate Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) - Behavioral Health is a key executive leader responsible for strategically advancing the safety, quality, and operational excellence of nursing and clinical practices across the behavioral health continuum. This executive leader drives system-wide standardization of nursing practices, fosters a culture of safety and therapeutic engagement, and ensures regulatory standards and patient-centered care principles are delivered, while aligning with the organization's mission and strategic goals.

The ACNO, Behavioral Health, serves as a key partner in workforce development with a keen focus on recruitment and retention efforts, focused on improving outcomes for patients, staff, and the broader behavioral health community. This role supports system-level Chief Nursing Officer, ensuring consistent implementation of best practices, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in patient care delivery, safety, and service. ACNO drives a culture of clinical excellence, a culture of safety and engagement for employees, patient-centered care, and evidence-based practice while aligning with the organization's mission and strategic goals.

EDUCATION AND RELATED EXPERIENCE:

Education:

• Master's degree in nursing (MSN) required, DNP preferred.
• License/Certification: Current, active, unencumbered RN license required.
• Certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (e.g., PMH-B), Nurse Executive NE-BC, NEA-BC, or CENP) or equivalent leadership/clinical credentials are strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive nursing leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a behavioral health position in a senior or corporate-level role.
• Minimum of 4 years' extensive leadership experience in behavioral health or psychiatric nursing in-patient settings.
• Demonstrated success in leading quality, safety, and workforce initiatives in a multi-system or system-level environment.
• Managed Care experience preferred.
• Union experience is strongly preferred.