Associate Chief Nursing Officer

About the role

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences seeks a visionary nursing leader to serve as Associate Chief Nursing Officer. In partnership with the Chief Nursing Officer, the ACNO will oversee inpatient nursing and designated patient‑care services across multiple clinical areas, driving high‑quality, safe, patient‑centered care.

Key responsibilities

• Direct inpatient nursing operations in Med/Surg, Critical Care, Oncology and related services.
• Lead strategic initiatives aligned with ASPIRE33, UAMS CARES, and Magnet recognition.
• Manage budgets, staffing models, and resource optimization to ensure financial responsibility.
• Champion quality improvement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance across the organization.
• Foster interprofessional collaboration, talent development, and succession planning for nursing staff.

Required profile

• BSN and a Master’s degree in a related field.
• Current Arkansas RN license and relevant national certification.
• Minimum five years of acute‑care bedside experience.
• At least ten years of formal leadership/management experience in acute care, including two years in a director‑level role.
• Demonstrated success in transformational leadership and measurable quality outcomes.

Required skills

• Advanced clinical knowledge of inpatient nursing practice across Med/Surg, Critical Care, and Oncology.
• Expertise in regulatory compliance, quality assurance, risk management, and patient safety.
• Strategic planning and execution aligned with organizational objectives.
• Financial acumen for budget and staffing model management.
• Change management, workforce optimization, and interprofessional collaboration.

What we offer

• Medical, dental and vision health plans for qualifying staff and families.
• Holiday, vacation and sick leave.
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only).
• Retirement plan with up to 10% matched contribution.
• Basic life insurance up to $50,000.
• Career training, educational opportunities and merchant discounts.
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus.