Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) Our client is a 25-bed Critical Access not-for-profit hospital located centrally in California, minutes to wine country and over 300 wineries! 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 Culture & Career 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 Compensation & Lifestyle 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. Click here to apply online #J-18808-Ljbffr