Associate Chief Nursing Officer

University of Arkansas System • Little Rock, AR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans.

UAMS seeks a visionary nursing leader to lead patient care excellence as the next Associate Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO). The ACNO will partner with the Chief Nursing Officer to direct inpatient nursing and designated patient care services across Med/Surg, Critical Care, ADON/Workforce Optimization, and Oncology, ensuring high-quality, safe, patient-centered care within a financially responsible framework. This role drives strategic alignment with ASPIRE33 and UAMS CARES, supports Magnet recognition, and advances innovative clinical care delivery, patient experience, quality and safety, productivity, and growth.

To successfully lead in this role, you'll possess deep clinical expertise in acute care, proven transformational leadership, measurable outcomes in quality and safety, and a collaborative, inclusive leadership style that can unite medical and interprofessional teams toward shared strategic objectives.

If you are a visionary nursing leader ready to shape the next era of patient care at UAMS Health, we welcome you to apply!

Requirements

• BSN required.
• Master’s degree in related field required.
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Current Registered Nurse License in the State of Arkansas.
• National Certification relevant to the role required.
• At least five (5) years of clinical, bedside experience in acute care (adult) nursing.
• At least ten (10) years of formal leadership/management experience in an acute care setting comparable to hiring facility.
• At least two (2) of the five (5) in a comparable and/or director-level role.
• Advanced clinical knowledge of inpatient nursing practice across Med/Surg, Critical Care, and Oncology.
• Expertise in regulatory compliance, quality assurance, performance measurement, risk management, and patient safety.
• Strategic planning and execution aligned with organizational objectives (ASPIRE33, CARES, Magnet).
• Financial acumen with experience managing budgets, staffing models, and resource optimization.
• Change management, organizational development, and workforce optimization.
• Interprofessional collaboration, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement at all levels.
• Strong communication skills, including executive-level reporting, presentations, and patient/population-focused messaging.
• Talent development, coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.
• Data-driven decision-making, with the ability to interpret metrics and translate into actionable plans.
• Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief Nursing Officer to direct inpatient nursing and designated patient care services across Med/Surg, Critical Care, ADON/Workforce Optimization, and Oncology.
• Ensure high-quality, safe, patient-centered care within a financially responsible framework.
• Drive strategic alignment with ASPIRE33 and UAMS CARES.
• Support Magnet recognition.
• Advance innovative clinical care delivery, patient experience, quality and safety, productivity, and growth.
• Build and sustain effective relationships with key stakeholders and operational leaders, fostering trust and a shared commitment to organizational goals.
• Oversee nursing practice and interprofessional teams within Inpatient Operations.
• Influence system-level improvements in patient care, quality, and safety.
• Collaborate across departments to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Participate in leadership structures and medical staff activities.
• Ensure seamless patient flow and high reliability across inpatient areas.
• Promote evidence-based practice and interprofessional research.
• Support quality improvement initiatives.
• Provide a stimulating learning environment for nursing and interprofessional students.
• May perform additional duties to advance the mission of UAMS Health.

Benefits

• Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager