Inpatient Charge Nurse - Acute Orthopedics (6 East) Nights

Play a central leadership role on one of UVA Health’s most clinically respected orthopedic units, where high-acuity care, operational leadership, and team mentorship intersect every shift. This is an opportunity to influence patient outcomes, staff engagement, and throughput in a fast-paced inpatient environment that demands both clinical excellence and decisive leadership.

As a Charge Nurse on 6 East , you will serve as the operational and clinical anchor of a high-volume orthopedic unit, ensuring safe, efficient, and patient-centered care delivery while supporting and developing a highly collaborative nursing team.

The Role

The Charge Nurse on 6 East is a highly visible leader responsible for orchestrating daily operations, supporting bedside teams, and maintaining clinical excellence in a dynamic orthopedic setting. You will balance real-time decision-making with staff support and patient experience oversight in a unit known for high throughput and complexity.

In this role, you will:

• Lead day-to-day clinical and operational workflow for a 30-bed acute orthopedic unit
  

• Coordinate staffing and patient flow, ensuring safe throughput, appropriate staffing levels, and timely access to care
  

• Partner closely with leadership and the staffing resource office to align resources with patient acuity
  

• Serve as a clinical and operational resource for nurses and interdisciplinary team members
  

• Facilitate escalation pathways, ensuring patients receive the appropriate level of care without delay
  

• Promote a calm, efficient, and supportive work environment , especially during high-volume admissions, transfers, and discharges
  

• Conduct patient rounding and support service recovery efforts to enhance the patient experience
  

• Drive closed-loop communication across nursing, providers, and ancillary teams
  

• Lead team huddles and support use of visual management tools to strengthen communication and alignment
  

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards within the care environment
  

You will be working in a high-volume medical-surgical environment specializing in total joint replacement, spine, and orthopedic trauma care, requiring strong prioritization, clinical judgment, and care coordination skills on every shift.

Why UVA Health

UVA Health offers an environment where nursing leadership is empowered, supported, and integral to the organization’s success. On 6 East , that commitment is reflected in both clinical excellence and professional development.

• Join a unit with nationally recognized certifications , including:
  

• Joint Commission Certification for Total Joint Replacement since 2013
  

• International Geriatric Fracture Core Certification since 2016
  

• Practice in a setting committed to evidence-based, patient-centered care and continuous improvement
  

• Be part of a culture that values shared governance, quality improvement, and frontline leadership
  

• Access meaningful career growth pathways , including leadership development and expanded clinical expertise in orthopedic care
  

• Work in a collaborative environment that prioritizes teamwork, communication, and staff support
  

• Influence care delivery in a high-impact, high-acuity unit with significant patient throughput and complexity
  

Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville

Charlottesville offers a unique blend of vibrant culture and natural beauty, making it an exceptional place for healthcare professionals to call home. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area provides easy access to hiking, outdoor recreation, and scenic wineries, while still maintaining a lively downtown with acclaimed restaurants, arts, and music. With a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a balanced pace of life, Charlottesville supports both professional fulfillment and personal well-being for individuals and families alike.

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.

Job Profile
J2362 - Charge Nurse

Career Stream and Level
Clinical Professional-C4

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 .