ADON – North Runnels Hospital
Job Title: Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) – North Runnels Hospital
Department: Nursing
Reports To: CNO
FLSA Status: Exempt
Revised: October 10, 2025
Position Summary:
The Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) supports the Chief Nursing Officer in overseeing and coordinating all aspects of nursing operations within the hospital. This position assists in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating nursing services to ensure safe, high-quality, and patient-centered care. The ACNO provides leadership to nursing staff, supports staff development and performance improvement programs, and contributes to regulatory and accreditation compliance. This role also assists with Infection Prevention and Control, ensuring adherence to evidence-based practices, regulatory standards, and hospital policies. The ACNO serves as a key resource for nursing leadership and acts as the Chief Nursing Officer in their absence. The ACNO will also share on-call responsibilities for the Nursing Department on a rotating basis to provide leadership support and ensure continuity of care during evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Assist in the daily management and supervision of nursing operations across all hospital departments.
Participate in strategic planning and policy development to promote quality patient outcomes and efficient workflows.
Collaborate with the CNO in staff scheduling, ensuring adequate coverage for all nursing shifts.
Support the recruitment, onboarding, education, and evaluation of nursing staff.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Assist with the development, review, and implementation of nursing policies and procedures in compliance with state, federal, and accrediting agency standards.
Oversee and participate in the Infection Prevention and Control Program, including surveillance, education, and compliance monitoring to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
Collaborate with department leaders to ensure infection control findings are communicated, tracked, and addressed in a timely manner.\
Prepare and present reports, audits, and findings for committees and regulatory bodies as directed by the CNO.
Participate in audits, surveys, and other compliance activities related to safety and infection control.
Provide leadership and guidance to nursing employees to maintain effective communication and teamwork.
Review incident reports, monitor corrective actions, and assist in risk management processes.
Assist with budget development, resource allocation, and cost-containment strategies for nursing services.
Serve as Acting Chief Nursing Officer in the absence of the CNO.
Participate in a rotating on-call schedule for the Nursing Department to provide after-hours administrative and clinical support, address staffing or patient care issues, and ensure continuous operational oversight.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the hospital.
Job Qualifications:
Education:
Graduate of an accredited School of Professional Nursing.
Licensure/Certification:
Current Registered Nurse license in the State of Texas.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Experience:
Minimum of three (3) years of clinical nursing experience required.
Two (2) years of progressive leadership experience in a hospital or healthcare setting preferred.
Experience in infection control or regulatory compliance strongly preferred.
Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrated leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
Working knowledge of infection prevention, CMS regulations, and Texas Health & Safety Code requirements.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a rural hospital environment.
Additional Requirement:
In addition to leadership responsibilities, the Assistant Chief Nursing Officer is expected to maintain the same licensure, certifications, and clinical competencies required of Registered Nurses, as outlined in the hospital’s RN job description. The ACNO may be required to assist with or provide direct patient care as needed to ensure safe staffing and patient care continuity.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a hospital environment with possible exposure to infectious diseases and bodily fluids.
Requires frequent standing, walking, and occasional lifting of patients or equipment.
May require evening, weekend, or on-call responsibilities as needed.