Description
The Austen Riggs Center is seeking an experienced psychiatric nurse leader to direct a complex and relationship-based psychiatric nursing service in a voluntary, open setting environment. Reporting to the Medical Director/CEO, the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) works collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide the highest quality care for patients in a therapeutic milieu.
Supervising a nursing and mental health specialist staff of about thirty, this role is pivotal in promoting the Center’s core values of supporting patient authority, fostering relationships, and understanding oneself and others and ensuring that our approach to nursing is in full alignment with these values.
About Us:
For over a century, the Austen Riggs Center has been a leading psychiatric hospital and residential treatment center, specializing in the care of adult patients with complex psychiatric conditions in a fully open and voluntary setting. Located in Stockbridge, MA, the Center provides a full continuum of care for people with complex psychiatric troubles, many of whom have not had success with other forms of treatment. Our patients come from across the country and around the world.
Our nursing staff serve as part of an interdisciplinary team at the Austen Riggs Center, providing comprehensive, patient-centered care through a psychodynamic systems approach. This approach emphasizes understanding patients’ struggles in the context of their family history and their broader psychosocial environment, rather than solely focusing on symptom reduction.
Position Summary:
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is a professional registered nurse responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating psychiatric nursing care at the Center. The CNO oversees nursing standards, staffing and fiscal operations, fosters collaborative relationships, and promotes a supportive professional environment for all staff and patients.
The CNO is responsible for the ongoing operation and management of nursing services, and, as part of the Center’s leadership team, participates in the development of the Center as a whole, including its mission, strategic planning, resource allocation, and overall policy development.
Leadership Responsibilities:
- Serve as progressive and strong partner in communicating about the Austen Riggs culture and community within the organization and externally.
- Provide leadership direction for the nursing team in alignment with quality of care and positive patient outcomes.
- Assess, mentor, and motivate the nursing leadership with a focus on the Center’s clinical and educational practices.
- Model and actively support a shared leadership approach with the medical staff and other senior leaders of the organization.
- Maintain knowledge and remain current on best practices of psychiatric nursing, ensuring our work here is up to date and aligned with standards.
- Foster opportunities for interdisciplinary clinical and research work.
- In partnership with human resources, recruit and retain talented individuals for positions of nursing leadership and enhance leadership development for both internal staff and new recruits.
- Create a continuous learning environment and support professional development.
Benefits and Compensation:
- Competitive wage package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Health Insurance: Medical, Dental and Vision
- Disability & Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account and Health Reimbursement Account
- Retirement Plan (403(b) with generous employer contribution
- Generous Paid Time Off and 12 paid holidays
- Continuing Education support
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Onsite Library
Requirements
Education and Licensure:
- Registered Nurse licensed (or eligible) in Massachusetts.
- Masters degree in nursing
- At least 8 years of relevant leadership experience.
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications and competencies:
- Excellence in psychiatric nursing, with a minimum of 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience.
- Experience leading within a psychodynamic oriented treatment setting.
- Experience in strategic planning and development, supervising, budgeting, project management and program development.
- Understanding of mental illness, substance use disorders, and dual diagnosis patients and how to best support their care.
- Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a member of the senior leadership team while serving as an advocate for nursing.
- Ability to collaborate with medical staff in areas of clinical care, education, and research.
- Background in quality improvement activities and change management.
- Thorough knowledge of healthcare regulatory requirements including The Joint Commission and Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH).
- Familiarity with relevant technology, including electronic health records and Office 365 including Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.