What are the responsibilities and job description for the Advanced Practice Provider (CNS) Clinical Nurse Specialist Pediatrics position at The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia?
At UVA Health, Clinical Nurse Specialists are not ancillary to care. They are architects of it.
This highly specialized Pediatric CNS role is designed for a clinician who thrives in complexity, values academic rigor, and wants to shape pediatric practice at the highest level within a nationally recognized children's hospital. Join a nationally recognized team of Clinical Nurse Specialists known for excellence in advanced practice, innovation, and measurable impact on patient, nursing, and system outcomes.
You already understand the intensity, precision, and accountability that come with pediatric advanced practice. What sets this role apart is the scope, influence, and institutional commitment behind it. At UVA Health Children's, Pediatric CNSs are trusted experts who practice across the three spheres of CNS impact-patient, nurse, and health system. Through advanced clinical expertise, consultation, education, quality improvement, implementation science, and systems leadership, CNSs improve outcomes for some of the most medically complex children in the region while advancing nursing practice and healthcare delivery.
The RoleAs a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will function as a clinical expert, systems thinker, and change agent across pediatric care environments. Your days will be intellectually engaging, collaborative, and deeply impactful.
In this role, you will:
- Provide advanced clinical expertise in pediatrics, supporting complex patient populations acrosssettings
- Utilize advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and prescriptive authority within scope and credentialing requirements.
- Serves as an expert clinical consultant and mentor, using targeted education and coaching strategies to support practice change and improve clinical outcomes.
- Lead and support evidencebased practice initiatives, implementation practice, quality improvement, and clinical program development initiatives.
Analyze trends in outcomes, safety, and workflow to drive systemlevel improvements in pediatric care delivery - Mentor nursing staff and contribute to professional development within a shared governance culture
What an average day looks like:
Your day may include rounding with pediatric teams to address complex clinical issues, collaborating with nurse leaders on practice changes, reviewing data related to outcomes or safety, and coaching staff through challenging patient scenarios. The pace is dynamic, the work is highly specialized, and the impact is felt across patients, teams, and the health system.
Advanced Practice Provider Scope of Practice:
Clinical
Provides expert evidence-based, top-of-scope care in their clinical practice
Acts as part of a specialty team, collaborating with other clinicians as appropriate
Provides health education to patients
Maintains accurate, timely, and thorough documentation
Ensures compliance with institutional and regulatory standards
Leadership
Supports development of best practices and protocols in specialty
Serves on committees and workgroups to enhance patient care
Provides education to learners in the clinical space
Mentors new team members
Administration
Contributes to clinical quality improvement work
Participates in professional governance through the APP Council
Attends team development meetings at local and departmental levels
Professional
Adheres to ASPIRE values in all professional interactions
Maintains appropriate licenses, certifications, and specialty training competencies
Participates in local, state, and national professional organizations
Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment. All safety-sensitive positions with direct patient interaction also require a drug screen.
Why UVA Health
UVA Health offers a rare environment where advanced nursing practice, academic medicine, and institutional support converge. This role exists because UVA Health invests in advanced nursing practice as a driver of pediatric excellence, safety, and innovation.
- UVA Health Children's is ranked the #1 Children's Hospital in Virginia, recognized for excellence in pediatric specialty care and outcomes
- The organization is part of a worldclass academic health system, aligned with the University of Virginia School of Medicine and School of Nursing, supporting research, education, and innovation
- Nursing at UVA Health is Magnetrecognized, reflecting a culture that prioritizes professional autonomy, evidencebased practice, and shared governance
- Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialists are strategic partners in care delivery, quality, and clinical program advancement, not limited to bedside consultation
- You will work alongside nationally respected pediatric subspecialists in a setting that values inquiry, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates
Why People Love Living in CharlottesvilleCharlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life that pairs naturally with a demanding healthcare career. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area provides immediate access to hiking, cycling, wineries, and outdoor recreation, along with a vibrant food scene, arts community, and historic downtown. The region is known for strong schools, a welcoming community, and a cost of living that remains accessible compared to larger metropolitan areas. For healthcare professionals and families alike, Charlottesville delivers balance, beauty, and connection beyond the hospital walls.
Reference Links :
- UVA Health Clinical Nurse Specialists: https://app.uvahs.org/about-us/clinical-nurse-specialists/
- UVA Health Children's: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/about/children
- http://app.uvahs.org/
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Master's Degree as an Advance Practice Provider (Clinical Nurse Specialist)
Experience: None
Certification: Advanced Practice CNS Certification (ANCC or AACN) in respective specialty population (Adult-Gero, Neonatal, Pediatric)
Licensure: License or license eligible as an Advance Practice Provider (Clinical Nurse Specialist) as set forth by the state of Virginia. Must demonstrate and maintain all applicable credentialing and licensing requirements of the UVA Medical Center, Virginia Board of Nursing, and appropriate certifying bodies.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) required.
Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS/NRP), as required specific to position. Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), as required specific to position.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently traveling/bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 20 - 50lbs. May be exposed to chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease. Position requires physical capabilities that may include lifting, prolonged standing and walking. Some travel may be required as related to specific responsibilities.
Benefits
Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings
Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
Certification and education support
Generous Paid Time Off
UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as "High Performing" in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children's is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.
Salary : $115,045 - $140,400