Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) - Behavioral Health

Acadia • Alexandria, LA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Longleaf Hospital, part of Acadia Healthcare, is seeking a strategic, compassionate, and operationally strong Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) to shape nursing practice and elevate patient care across a full continuum of behavioral health services. Longleaf is a 139-bed inpatient behavioral health hospital serving adolescents, adults, seniors, military personnel, and individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders. Located in Alexandria, Louisiana, Longleaf Hospital is a trusted regional leader in mental health and addiction treatment, providing 24/7 supervised, evidence-based psychiatric and substance use services in a therapeutic, confidential, and safe environment. Longleaf offers a robust continuum of care, including inpatient psychiatric care, detox and addiction treatment, military-focused programming, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) & structured outpatient services, crisis stabilization & 24/7 admissions, and utilizes evidence-based modalities including CBT, motivational interviewing, EMDR, and trauma-informed care.

Requirements

• Active RN license (LA or eligible for reciprocity)
• Proven nursing leadership experience (CNO, DON, or equivalent)
• Behavioral health nursing experience in an inpatient psychiatric setting
• BSN required
• Strong strategic, operational, and interpersonal skills
• 6+ years of RN experience
• 3+ years of progressive nursing leadership
• 2+ years of inpatient behavioral health RN experience

Nice To Haves

• MSN or specialty certification 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
• 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