- Inpatient Psychiatry - 5 East
- Behavioral health nursing leadership requires equal parts clinical expertise, critical thinking, and compassionate presence. This role offers the opportunity to lead a dedicated psychiatric nursing team while making a meaningful impact on the recovery journey of adults experiencing acute mental health needs. As the Charge Nurse for UVA Health's
- Inpatient Psychiatry unit
- , you will serve as a frontline clinical leader who supports exceptional patient care, mentors nursing staff, and helps guide daily operations within a highly collaborative behavioral health environment. This is an opportunity to combine direct patient care with leadership responsibilities in one of Virginia's premier academic health systems.
- The Role
- Working within a
- 25-bed adult acute inpatient psychiatric unit
- , you will help shape both the patient experience and the professional practice environment.
This licensed, non-forensic, milieu-based behavioral health unit cares for adults experiencing acute psychiatric conditions requiring a higher level of support and intervention than outpatient or crisis services can provide. As Charge Nurse, you will maintain a strong bedside presence while serving as a key operational and clinical resource for the team. You'll partner closely with psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive, recovery-focused care. This fast-paced environment provides exposure to patients with primary psychiatric diagnoses as well as individuals receiving
- medical detoxification services, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and substance use disorder support
- . The role offers a unique blend of
- clinical leadership, patient advocacy, staff mentorship, operational coordination, and direct hands-on nursing care
•.
Key responsibilities include:
+ Leading daily shift operations and coordinating unit workflow + Assigning and balancing patient care responsibilities across the nursing team +
- Serving as a mentor
- , coach, and clinical resource for nursing staff + Supporting admissions, treatment planning, and discharge processes + Participating in
- crisis intervention
- and behavioral de-escalation efforts + Promoting a safe, therapeutic milieu for both patients and staff + Monitoring quality, patient safety, and regulatory compliance initiatives +
- Advocating for patients and families
- throughout the care continuum + Supporting evidence-based psychiatric nursing practice and professional growth
- Why UVA Health
- At UVA Health, you'll join a nationally recognized academic health system where nurses have a voice in advancing patient care, professional practice, innovation, and research.
As a Magnet-recognized nursing organization, UVA Health is committed to supporting nurses through professional governance, career development, continuing education, and leadership growth. The Inpatient Psychiatry team plays a vital role in addressing the growing behavioral health needs of the region, creating meaningful impact for patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments.
Highlights include:
+
- Leadership opportunity
- with ongoing direct patient care involvement + Collaborative interdisciplinary behavioral health team environment + Academic medical center resources and
- professional development
- opportunities + Strong culture of teamwork, communication, safety, and evidence-based practice + Meaningful work supporting psychiatric stabilization, recovery, and reintegration + Opportunity to mentor and develop the next generation of psychiatric nurses + Access to a large, integrated health system known for
- innovation, research, and clinical excellence
- Sign on bonus and relocation assistance available for qualified candidates!
- Whether you are an experienced psychiatric nurse leader or a nurse ready to take the next step into unit leadership, UVA Health offers an environment where your expertise, judgment, and compassion can thrive.
- Why People Love Living in Charlottesville
- Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life with the perfect balance of professional opportunity and personal fulfillment.
Residents enjoy award-winning wineries, vibrant arts and music, nationally recognized restaurants, scenic hiking trails, and easy access to Shenandoah National Park. The community combines the energy of a university town with the charm of a close-knit community, making it a fantastic place for healthcare professionals and families seeking career growth, outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and an outstanding work-life balance.
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.
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 (https://jobs.virginia.edu/why-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 (https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/va/university-of-virginia-medical-center-6344000) 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 (https://jobs.virginia.edu/uva-childrens) is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report (https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/va/university-of-virginia-childrens-hospital-PA6344000) 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 (https://eocr.virginia.edu/notice-non-discrimination-and-equal-opportunity) _._