Charge Nurse - Inpatient Psychiatry 5 East Nights

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
  

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 $46.08 - $61.00 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
  
• 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 .