Associate Chief Nursing Officer - Emergency Services

Merrimack Health•Lawrence, MA

About The Position

The Associate Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO), Emergency Services is an executive leader responsible for advancing safety, quality, and operational excellence in nursing across the organization. The role has system-wide responsibility for planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating nursing care delivery for emergency care programs and divisions to ensure safe, high-quality clinical care. The ACNO collaborates with administrators, physicians, managers, and other providers on strategic plans and initiatives, and models professional nursing practice grounded in autonomy, authority, accountability, and responsibility. The role oversees care delivery models and establishes expectations based on professional standards, then monitors performance and adjusts plans and resources as needed. The ACNO is a workforce development partner focused on recruitment, retention, and outcomes for patients, staff, and the broader health community. The position supports the system-level Chief Nursing Officer in implementing best practices, maintaining regulatory compliance, and continuously improving patient care, safety, and service.

Requirements

Master's degree in nursing (MSN).
Current, active, unencumbered RN license.
ANCC certification (Nurse Executive NE-BC or NEA-BC), CCRN, CEN, or equivalent leadership/clinical credentials.
ALS certification.
At least 8 years of postgraduate experience with demonstrated clinical competence in emergency services.
At least 5 years of leadership experience in emergency care and public safety.
Ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines and care settings.
Demonstrated success leading quality, safety, and workforce initiatives in a multisystem or system-level environment.
High clinical and business acumen.
Proficiency with EMR documentation and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Nice To Haves

DNP.
Experience with quality improvement initiatives and change management.
Experience in an ANCC Magnet/Pathways multi-hospital system.
Experience working in a union environment.
Experience managing programs at multiple sites.
TNCC.

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for nursing practice in emergency and trauma services, including the SANE program, cardiovascular service line, emergency preparedness, public safety, EMS, and Administrative Nursing Supervisors across system hospitals and locations.
Direct and coordinate work plans related to Pathways to Excellence standards, accreditation, and regulatory surveys.
Integrate evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care models, and regulatory compliance into daily operations.
Standardize nursing policies, procedures, and practice models to promote excellence in patient care and staff performance.
Mentor and support facility-level nursing leaders, and lead workforce planning, recruitment, retention, engagement, and development strategies for nursing and clinical staff.
Champion the professional advancement of nurses.
Lead system-wide initiatives to improve quality metrics, reduce adverse events, and foster a culture of safety, engagement, and accountability.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards, including The Joint Commission, CMS, Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, and Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations.
Use data and analytics to monitor quality and clinical performance, identify improvement opportunities, and drive accountability.
Lead transformational initiatives to modernize behavioral health care delivery, nursing innovation, and technology adoption.
Manage fiscal responsibilities, including annual budget preparation, monthly variance reports, and overall operational effectiveness.
Collaborate with executive leadership, medical staff, and other clinical departments to align nursing and quality goals with organizational priorities.
Participate in strategic planning for nursing across facilities.