Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) - Primary Care and Ambulatory Behavioral Health The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia $100,000.00 - $155,043.20 annually. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education. vision insurance, paid time off United States, Virginia, Charlottesville 1215 Lee Street (Show on map) Aug 21, 2026 If you became a Clinical Nurse Leader to drive meaningful change, improve quality outcomes, and influence patient care beyond the bedside, this is the role you've been working toward. UVA Health offers a true Clinical Nurse Leader opportunity where your expertise is dedicated to advancing evidence-based practice, improving clinical workflows, and elevating the patient experience across ambulatory behavioral health and primary care settings. This position is uniquely designed for a Clinical Nurse Leader who wants to work at the top of their education and training. You will focus on leading initiatives that strengthen care delivery, improve outcomes, support regulatory excellence, and create lasting impact across multiple ambulatory clinics and specialties. The Role This is a dedicated Clinical Nurse Leader position, an opportunity that is increasingly difficult to find in today's healthcare environment. In many organizations, CNL responsibilities are absorbed into Nurse Manager or Assistant Nurse Manager roles, limiting the ability to fully focus on quality, evidence-based practice, and systems improvement. At UVA Health, the Clinical Nurse Leader role is intentionally structured to allow you to concentrate on the work that defines the profession. Working closely with nursing leadership, clinic leaders, and interdisciplinary partners, you will serve as a catalyst for improvement across ambulatory behavioral health and primary care services. While not a direct patient care role, your influence will be felt throughout the patient experience by driving improvements in care delivery, clinical quality, and operational effectiveness. In an average day, you may: Lead quality improvement initiatives from concept through implementation and outcome measurement. Evaluate clinical practices, standards, and outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement. Support regulatory, accreditation, and compliance initiatives across ambulatory clinics. Promote and implement evidence-based practice that strengthens care quality and consistency. Observe workflows and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and patient experience. Partner with clinic teams, specialty providers, and Nursing Professional Development leaders to advance strategic initiatives. Analyze data and outcomes to guide decision-making and support sustainable improvements. Support multiple ambulatory clinics and specialties while maintaining a systems-level perspective. This role is ideal for a Clinical Nurse Leader who wants to influence care on a broader scale, build meaningful relationships across teams, and see their work translate into measurable improvements for patients, providers, and clinical operations. 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 For many Clinical Nurse Leaders, this role represents the opportunity they envisioned when pursuing their CNL education and certification. This is not a bedside nursing position, staffing role, or traditional management position. It is a dedicated systems-improvement role where you can fully utilize Clinical Nurse Leader competencies to improve care delivery and patient outcomes. At UVA Health, you will join a nationally recognized academic health system that values nursing leadership, innovation, quality improvement, and professional growth. You will be surrounded by colleagues who understand the importance of evidence-based practice and who are committed to advancing healthcare through collaboration and continuous improvement.

Highlights of this opportunity include:

A true dedicated Clinical Nurse Leader role focused on quality, outcomes, and patient experience improvement. The opportunity to positively influence care across multiple ambulatory behavioral health and primary care clinics. High autonomy and ownership of meaningful improvement initiatives. Collaboration with fellow Clinical Nurse Leaders and Nursing Professional Development leadership. Exposure to diverse ambulatory specialties and complex healthcare operations. Opportunities to develop expertise in quality improvement leadership, regulatory readiness, accreditation standards, and healthcare process improvement. The ability to drive measurable change and see the direct impact of your work on patient care. Access to the resources, collaboration, and innovation of a leading academic health system. A Magnet-recognized nursing culture that supports professional practice, leadership development, and continuous learning. Most importantly, this position allows you to focus on the work that inspired many nurses to pursue Clinical Nurse Leader preparation in the first place: improving systems, advancing evidence-based practice, enhancing patient outcomes, and creating a better healthcare experience for patients and care teams alike. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. Why People Love Living in Charlottesville Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life that attracts healthcare professionals from across the country. The area is known for its vibrant food scene, award-winning wineries, outdoor recreation, live music, arts, and rich history. Residents enjoy easy access to hiking trails, scenic mountain views, and countless opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Central Virginia. Combined with the energy of a world-class university community and the welcoming atmosphere of a smaller city, Charlottesville offers an outstanding balance between professional opportunity, personal fulfillment, and family life.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Master's or doctoral degree in

Nursing Experience:

2 years of experience as a registered nurse working in a relevant practice area.

Licensure:

VA nursing license, CNL certification.

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 $100,000.00 - $155,043.20 annually. 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 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. s & 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. s & 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.