Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) - Behavioral Health

Sonora Behavioral Health • Tucson, AZ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) – Sonora Behavioral Health HospitalTucson, AZ | Relocation Assistance Available
Join the Leading Behavioral Health Hospital in Southern Arizona
Lead With Purpose. Transform Behavioral Health Care in Tucson.
Are you an experienced, mission‑driven nursing leader ready to influence care at the highest level? Sonora Behavioral Health Hospital, part of Acadia Healthcare, the nation’s largest stand‑alone provider of mental health and addiction treatment is seeking a strategic, compassionate, and operationally strong Chief Nursing Officer (CNO).
This role offers the opportunity to lead clinical excellence at Southern Arizona’s premier behavioral health facility, serving children, adolescents, adults, and seniors through a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services.
About Sonora Behavioral Health
Located in Tucson, Arizona, Sonora Behavioral Health is recognized as a regional leader in acute psychiatric care and outpatient behavioral health programs. Since 1994, Sonora has delivered evidence‑based, multidisciplinary treatment supported by a highly skilled team of psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and therapists. [acadiahealthcare.com]
Sonora provides:
Inpatient psychiatric care for adults, adolescents & children
Detox and co‑occurring disorder services
PHP & IOP programs for mental health and substance use
Veteran-focused programming
24/7 crisis admissions
You’ll join a high‑impact organization known for clinical excellence and dedication to community mental health.
Why You’ll Love This Role
We know top talent deserves top rewards. Here’s what you’ll enjoy:
Relocation Assistance & or Sign-On Bonus
Professional Growth & Career Pathing - From Corporate Nursing to CEO-in-Training, your development is our priority.
Executive Mentorship – Paired with a corporate nurse executive from day one
Competitive Salary & Bonuses
Comprehensive Health Benefits - Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with Company Match
Generous PTO - Includes vacation, holidays, extended sick leave, and mental health days.
Industry-Leading Training & Support - You’ll be paired with a corporate nurse executive mentor from day one.
Your Impact
As CNO, you will be a key member of Sonora’s executive leadership team, guiding clinical and operational excellence.
How We’ll Support You
While each of our hospitals operates independently, you’ll never be alone. You’ll receive hands-on support from:
Corporate nurse leadership for ongoing mentorship and guidance
Corporate recruiting to help you build a strong clinical team
Qualifications
Active RN License (Arizona or eligible for reciprocity).
Proven Nursing Leadership (CNO, DON, or equivalent).
Behavioral Health Experience in an inpatient psychiatric setting (required).
Strategic & Operational Expertise with strong interpersonal skills.
Education: BSN required; MSN or mental health nursing preferred.
Experience:
6+ years RN experience (10+ preferred).
3+ years progressive nursing management.
2+ years behavioral health RN experience in inpatient psychiatry.
Ready to Lead Change in Arizona?Take the next step in your leadership journey and help shape the future of behavioral health care in Southern Arizona. Apply today and make an impact that truly matters.
We’re committed to inclusion and equity.
Acadia Healthcare is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and strive to create an environment where every team member feels valued and supported.
Your time matters to us.We appreciate every application and review each one carefully. While we may only contact candidates whose experience most closely matches the role, we’re grateful for your interest and for considering us in your career journey.
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Requirements

• Active RN License (Arizona or eligible for reciprocity).
• Proven Nursing Leadership (CNO, DON, or equivalent).
• Behavioral Health Experience in an inpatient psychiatric setting (required).
• Strategic & Operational Expertise with strong interpersonal skills.
• BSN required
• 6+ years RN experience (10+ preferred).
• 3+ years progressive nursing management.
• 2+ years behavioral health RN experience in inpatient psychiatry.

Nice To Haves

• MSN or mental health nursing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive nursing strategy and operational excellence.
• Mentor and develop clinical leaders across all units.
• Ensure compliance with TJC, CMS, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee budgets, staffing, and workforce planning.
• Collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary teams.
• Monitor outcomes and champion continuous improvement.
• Influence executive decisions and long-term planning.

Benefits

• Relocation Assistance & or Sign-On Bonus
• Professional Growth & Career Pathing
• Executive Mentorship
• Competitive Salary & Bonuses
• Comprehensive Health Benefits - Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with Company Match
• Generous PTO - Includes vacation, holidays, extended sick leave, and mental health days.
• Industry-Leading Training & Support

What This Job Offers

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