Assistant Chief Nursing Officer - Patient Care

The Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking a dynamic nursing professional for the role of Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO), Ancillary Services.  

Reporting directly to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), you will collaborate with multiple state agencies and hospital leadership to ensure nursing services meet high standards of care, safety, and efficiency in inpatient and outpatient services. Overseeing a wide range of ancillary and clinical services, including Social Services, Respiratory Therapy, and more, this role plays a key part in patient-centered care. You will also work closely with various state agencies, including the Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and Department of Corrections (DOC), to enhance service coordination and patient outcomes.  With a focus on operational excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration, you will guide managers in clinical functions while fostering professional growth through delegation, performance appraisals, and leadership development.

The position requires a strategic leader who can manage budgets, staffing, and compliance initiatives, while actively participating in performance improvement and patient safety initiatives. You will be an advocate for staff and patient well-being, ensuring union relations, staff education, and operational goals are met. As a visible and accessible leader, your efforts will directly contribute to enhancing patient outcomes and maintaining a culture of high-quality, compassionate care.

Please Note: Selected candidate must have a current and valid registration as a professional nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-4:30PM, with Weekends Off

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Ensure nursing care meets established standards and comply with current regulations by regularly reviewing and updating policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with Medical Staff to evaluate and enhance patient care services, acting as a liaison for seamless communication and coordination.
• Stay current on nursing trends, technologies, and regulations, and assess the impact of legislative and regulatory decisions on nursing practice.
• Establish and implement best practices in patient safety to achieve optimal quality and cost-effective services.
• Monitor and adjust staffing levels based on patient acuity, census, and available resources, ensuring evidence-based staffing practices.
• Provide advisory support to nurse managers and staff to resolve patient care issues, offering guidance on clinical and operational functions.
• Lead and participate in performance improvement initiatives, patient care assessments, and joint commission compliance to ensure positive outcomes.
• Provide guidance and direction to managers in clinical and operation functions, facilitating positive outcomes and growth.
• Promote leadership development among managers by delegating tasks, setting realistic goals, and ensuring timely completion of projects.
• Conduct performance evaluations, oversee agency personnel usage, and monitor overtime within budget constraints, ensuring labor relations are maintained.
• Collaborate on budget development for nursing units, tracking hours per patient day (HPPD), controlling costs, and investigating variances to ensure financial efficiency.
• Foster interdisciplinary communication, promote a positive image of the nursing division, and address patient and staff concerns to ensure optimal public relations.
• Represent the Nursing Department and the organization in professional and community groups, ensuring staff demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and cooperation.