What Is an Associate Chief Nursing Officer?
Associate chief nursing officers are employed by larger hospitals, nursing homes and other health care organizations to help oversee the operations of the nursing department. They are second in command to the chief nursing officer, or CNO, and a part of the senior leadership team. Along with CNOs, associate chief nursing officers are the voice of nurses with other executives and the board of trustees. To become an associate chief nursing officer, you must be a registered nurse with advanced education and extensive health care experience.
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Nursing Services
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As the associate chief nursing officer, you will help oversee all areas of nursing services. This includes staff recruiting, training, supervision and developing nursing policies and procedures. Health care data, statistics and other resources may also utilized by nurse management to create strategies and programs for improving patient care. Associate chief nursing officers report directly to the chief nursing officer.
Managerial
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In addition to managing nursing and patient care, associate chief nursing officers may also hold a number of administrative and managerial responsibilities, such as departmental budgeting, financial management and working with other executives to grow and improve the overall success of the business. In the absence of the chief nursing officer, you may also represent the facility and nursing staff at community events and conferences sponsored by local, regional or national nursing associations.
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Nursing School
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The first step in becoming an associate chief nursing officer is attending nursing school. Although you can become an RN via an associate's or two-year degree training program, because graduate school is required for nursing officers, a bachelor's degree is best. After graduating from nursing school, you must pass the national council licensure examination, or NCLEX-RN.
Graduate School
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Along with nursing skills, associate chief nursing officers should have advanced knowledge of business and management principles. Coursework in accounting, economics, human resources management, business law and computer technology are all beneficial to the role of a chief nursing officer. Many prospective nursing officers choose to pursue an MBA, or graduate-level degree in health care or hospital administration. Others may opt to study nursing at the master's or doctoral level.
Employment Background
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Whether at a hospital, nursing home or other health care entity, associate chief nursing officers must have several years of experience in patient care, staff supervision and leadership.
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References
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