What are the responsibilities and job description for the Registered Nurse (RN) Surgical Subspecialties 5 Central position at The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia?
Build deep surgical nursing expertise while helping adult patients navigate some of the most consequential moments of their care journey.
Join 5 Central, a 28-bed acute care Surgical Subspecialties unit, where nurses provide specialized pre-operative and post-operative care across general, colorectal, gynecological, and urologic surgery, as well as trauma care. This is an opportunity to strengthen your assessment, prioritization, and patient-management skills within a collaborative, high-acuity academic medical center environment.
The Role
As a Registered Nurse on the Surgical Subspecialties unit, you will coordinate comprehensive, evidence-based care for a diverse surgical population throughout hospitalization. You will partner with patients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary colleagues to support safe preparation for surgery, closely monitor recovery, manage complex clinical needs, and promote confident transitions through each phase of care.
An average day may include:
Performing comprehensive assessments and recognizing meaningful changes in patients' clinical status
Developing, implementing, and evaluating individualized plans of care
Monitoring pre-operative readiness and post-operative recovery
Managing the needs of patients across multiple surgical specialties, including individuals receiving trauma care
Coordinating care with physicians and other members of the interdisciplinary team
Providing clear, compassionate education to patients and families throughout the surgical journey
Maintaining accurate, timely clinical documentation
Applying current technology and evidence-based practices to support quality outcomes
Contributing to quality improvement, shared governance, and professional practice initiatives
The unit maintains a 1:4 nurse-to-patient ratio with support from a free-floating charge nurse, helping bedside RNs remain focused on patient care while maintaining access to experienced clinical support. The breadth of the patient population creates meaningful opportunities to sharpen pattern recognition, clinical judgment, and care coordination skills.
This role is especially well suited to a nurse who is adaptable, team-oriented, motivated by continuous learning, and passionate about surgical recovery. Acute care, medical-surgical, post-operative, or trauma nursing experience can provide a strong foundation for success.
Why UVA Health
At UVA Health, nurses practice at the intersection of compassionate care, academic medicine, research, education, and innovation. As part of an ANCC Magnet-recognized academic health system and Level I trauma center, you will collaborate with clinicians who are advancing care while supporting patients with complex and specialized needs.
On 5 Central, you will find an environment designed to support both clinical excellence and long-term professional growth:
A broad surgical case mix that expands your experience across general, colorectal, gynecological, and urologic surgery, plus trauma care
A supportive clinical structure, including a 1:4 nurse-to-patient ratio and free-floating charge nurse
Relationship-based care that centers meaningful connections with patients, families, colleagues, and self
Shared governance opportunities that give nurses a voice in clinical practice and organizational decision-making
Professional certification support, mentorship, and preceptorship opportunities
Clinical advancement and leadership development pathways
Opportunities to participate in nursing research, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and professional governance
Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
Whether your goal is to deepen your surgical nursing expertise, earn specialty certification, contribute to practice improvement, mentor others, or prepare for future leadership, UVA Health offers the resources and clinical exposure to help you continue moving forward.
Why People Love Living in Charlottesville
Charlottesville offers healthcare professionals a welcoming balance of career opportunity, community, and access to the outdoors. Set near the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area provides hiking, biking, wineries, cultural attractions, independent restaurants, and University of Virginia educational, arts, and athletic events. With varied residential options, manageable commutes, a strong sense of community, and activities for individuals and families, Charlottesville makes it possible to build a meaningful nursing career while creating a fulfilling life outside the hospital.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing program required. Bachelor of Science in Nursing required within 5 years of hire.
Experience: 1 year of relevant experience.
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, 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 $41.05 - $54.15 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 : $41 - $54