Associate Chief Nursing Officer

Position Overview At Houston Methodist, the Associate Chief of Nursing (Sr. Director) works under the direction of the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) to create an environment in which nurses can perform their jobs effectively, contributing to excellent patient outcomes and a professional nursing culture. As a member of the administration team, the position has direct operational responsibility for various departments and services.

It plans according to the strategic direction set by the CNO and senior leadership, including developing policies and procedures related to practice operations, staffing models, patient safety and quality, training, and customer service. The ACNO works closely with directors of patient care services and partners with medical staff leadership to coordinate and integrate services aligned with the strategic plan, mission, and vision of Houston Methodist. Key Responsibilities Oversee activities of department staff, ensuring quality, productivity, functional excellence and efficiency to accomplish strategic and operational objectives.

Ensure employee engagement, adequate staffing levels, budget development and compliance, staffing decisions such as hiring and termination, coaching and counseling employees, and develop policies and procedures for a safe and effective work environment. Ensure training, monitoring and operational initiatives are implemented, securing compliance with ethical and legal business practices and regulatory, accreditation, and government regulations. Handle responsibilities in the absence of the CNO, assuming the entire scope of the CNO’s duties.

People Essential Functions Direct, develop and implement strategic and operational projects, facilitate work teams, and provide timely guidance and feedback. Oversee selection, scheduling, supervision, retention, and evaluation of employees. Maintain employee engagement, conduct department meetings, rounds, performance appraisals, hiring feedback, coaching, and recognition.

Build strategic relationships across departments to achieve business goals, promote teamwork, and facilitate process improvements. Collaborate with patient care and support departments to foster open communication and problem solving. Mentor nursing leadership, engage staff, and serve as a positive role model.

Service Essential Functions Oversee department operations, project schedules, and activities to meet goals within prescribed time frames. Drive service standards and activities to impact patient/customer satisfaction ratings. Participate on committees, coordinate plans with the CNO, and maintain frequent updates.

Round on staff units, solicit feedback, and enhance communication to ensure exceptional experience. Create a professional practice environment, formulate policies consistent with regulatory standards, and maintain nursing services authority. Quality & Safety Essential Functions Ensure a safe work environment, monitor safety plans, and maintain credential compliance.

Optimize safe outcomes, improve workflow, and implement process improvements using lean principles. Ensure employee compliance and perform actions for non‑compliance. Identify system problems, monitor corrective actions, and participate in joint improvement activities.

Improve patient care quality, increase patient satisfaction, leverage technology, and follow up on complaints. Finance Essential Functions Develop and manage department operational and capital budgets, ensuring cost‑effective operations. Identify and plan for capital needs, create staffing strategies to achieve financial targets.

Manage nursing expenditures, keep staff and resources efficient, and eliminate non‑value costs. Partner with the CNO and HR to develop recruitment and retention strategies for low turnover. Growth & Innovation Essential Functions Identify and implement innovative solutions for practice or workflow changes and lead unit projects.

Lead task forces and committees, represent at community or professional meetings. Drive change initiatives, adjust to new structures, and partner with stakeholders. Engage in career discussions, update development plans, and conduct staff development conversations.

Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, one of which must be in Nursing. Experience: Five years of progressively responsible leadership roles within an acute care, public, or academic healthcare system, demonstrating understanding of required knowledge, skills, and abilities; preferred nursing management experience. Lean/Six Sigma training preferred.

Licenses & Certifications RN – Registered Nurse – Texas State licensure; Texas Board of Nursing and PSV Compact Licensure. BLS – Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA). Magnet‑ANCC Recognized Leadership Certification.

Skills & Abilities Strong communication skills, both written and oral. Leadership qualities, critical thinking, and initiative. Interpersonal skills for confidence building and change management.

Data analysis and problem‑solving abilities. Knowledge of regulatory and accreditation requirements. Proficient with spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation software.

Ability to work in fast‑paced environments, under pressure, and manage competing priorities. IT application competence and ability to lead sustainable change. Membership in the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) preferred.

Supplemental Requirements Work Attire: Business professional. On‑Call Employee may be required to be on‑call during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events). On call: Yes.

Travel May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: Yes. May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: Yes. Work Shift Day (United States of America).

Equal Opportunity Statement Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr