What are the responsibilities and job description for the Charge Nurse - Trauma & Surgical Subspecialties, 5 West - Nights position at The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia?
5 West - Charge Nurse
Every shift on 5 West presents an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients recovering from complex trauma and surgical conditions. As Charge Nurse, you will help lead a highly skilled team in delivering exceptional care while ensuring operational excellence across a dynamic, high-acuity inpatient environment.
Join a collaborative 26-bed acute care unit caring for a diverse patient population that includes trauma, hepatobiliary, ENT, plastic surgery, and emergency general surgery patients. This role combines clinical expertise, leadership, and operational coordination, creating a unique opportunity for experienced nurses looking to expand their influence while continuing to grow professionally in an academic medical center setting.
The Role
As the Charge Nurse for Trauma & Surgical Subspecialtiesunit,you will serve as the clinical and operational leader for your shift, supporting safe, efficient, and patient-centered care. You will partner closely with physicians, advanced practice providers, therapists, case managers, and nursing staff to ensure patients receive seamless care throughout their hospital stay.
In this role, you will:
* Lead interdisciplinary rounds and facilitate communication across care teams.
* Coordinate staffing assignments based on patient acuity, census, and operational needs.
* Support patient throughput, discharge planning, and safe transitions of care.
* Conduct leadership and patient safety rounds to proactively identify and address concerns.
* Serve as a clinical resource and mentor for bedside nursing staff.
* Respond to urgent situations, coordinate clinical escalation, and support complex decision-making.
* Promote adherence to evidence-based practice, policies, and quality standards.
* Foster a positive team environment focused on collaboration, accountability, and exceptional patient outcomes.
This position is ideal for experienced nurse leaders who thrive in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment, enjoy balancing clinical and operational responsibilities, and are passionate about supporting both patients and fellow nurses.
What makes this opportunity stand out:
* Lead within a nationally recognized academic medical center committed to innovation and evidence-based practice.
* Care for a diverse mix of trauma and surgical patients, allowing you to broaden and deepen your clinical expertise.
* Collaborate daily with multidisciplinary teams in a highly supportive, team-oriented environment.
* Play a critical role in patient flow, safety initiatives, quality outcomes, and staff development.
* Grow your leadership capabilities through a culture that values professional development, nursing excellence, and continuous improvement.
Whether your background includes trauma, surgical specialties, acute care, or another complex inpatient setting, this role offers the opportunity to lead, influence care delivery, and make a lasting impact on patients during some of their most critical recovery moments.
Why UVA Health
At UVA Health, you'll join one of the nation's leading academic health systems, where nursing leadership plays a vital role in advancing patient care, innovation, and clinical excellence. Charge Nurses are highly visible leaders who help shape patient outcomes, mentor future nursing talent, and support operational success across the organization.
Why People Love Living in Charlottesville
Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life with the perfect balance of career opportunity and personal fulfillment. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the region provides abundant outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, and easy access to hiking, cycling, vineyards, and weekend adventures. The community is known for its vibrant arts and music scene, award-winning restaurants, historic charm, and welcoming atmosphere. Combined with excellent schools, a strong sense of community, and a pace of life that supports work-life balance, Charlottesville is an outstanding place for healthcare professionals and their families to call home.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Bachelor's of Science in Nursing or currently enrolled in an accredited nursing BSN/MSN program that will be completed within 5 years of hire.
Experience: RN Clinician 2 or higher who has been employed on the unit for 6 months or has had previous Charge Nurse experience from another unit/organization.
Licensure: Licensed to Practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia. American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently traveling and 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.
The pay range for this role is $47.23 - $62.15 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.Benefits
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off
- Retirement Savings
- Long-term and Short-term Disability
- Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Certification and Education Support
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 : $47 - $62