Director Rn Observation Unit Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

A Career Defining Opportunity in Pediatric PeriAnesthesia Nursing At UVA Health, pediatric perioperative care does not stop when surgery ends. This newly created Pediatric Surgical Observation Unit plays a critical role in ensuring safe overnight recovery, smooth patient flow, and exceptional family centered care for our youngest surgical patients. This is an opportunity to help shape a brand-new pediatric unit. Experienced pediatric nurses understand that the hours after surgery are some of the most important. In this role, you will provide thoughtful, vigilant overnight care for pediatric surgical patients requiring 23-hour observation, ensuring clinical stability, comfort, and readiness for next day discharge. This position is ideal for pediatric nurses who value clinical autonomy, lower patient ratios, strong interdisciplinary collaboration, and the opportunity to be part of something being built with intention and support. You will join a team designed to improve surgical throughput, decompress inpatient capacity, and elevate the pediatric perioperative experience at UVA Health.

The Role As a Registered Nurse in Pediatric Surgical Observation, you will practice in a six bed, lower acuity pediatric surgical observation unit located directly adjacent to the Pediatric PACU on the main campus. The focus is overnight postoperative monitoring and recovery, bridging the gap between PACU and discharge. The pace is focused and purposeful. Patient acuity is lower than inpatient units, yet the work requires strong pediatric assessment skills, sound clinical judgment, and comfort working independently at night. On an average shift, you will:

• Provide postoperative nursing care for pediatric surgical patients following scheduled procedures
• Monitor recovery, pain control, airway stability, hydration status, and pediatric vital signs
• Deliver family centered education and reassurance, supporting caregivers through the overnight recovery period
• Depending on the scheduled shift, there may be opportunities to work across Pre-op and Post-op units as well.
• Collaborate closely with Pediatric PACU staff, anesthesia providers, surgeons, and interdisciplinary team members
• Support safe, timely next day discharge, reinforcing care plans and discharge readiness
• Practice in a unit designed specifically for pediatric surgical observation, not inpatient acute care
• Shift: 12 hour shifts, 1900-0730, scheduled Mon-Fri nights

This role is part of a phased expansion with structured onboarding, cross training in pediatric pre-op and post-op areas, and leadership support as the unit grows. Why UVA Health UVA Health is a nationally recognized academic health system where nursing practice is respected, supported, and continually evolving. This position supports critical health system goals, including decompressing inpatient pediatric units, reducing ED boarding, and improving surgical throughput, while maintaining the highest standards of pediatric nursing care.

• A newly created pediatric surgical observation unit, designed to improve patient experience and support growing surgical volumes
• Practice within an academic medical center known for excellence in pediatric care, research, and education
• A strong, Magnet informed, nursing culture that values professional autonomy, shared governance, and evidence-based practice
• Leadership investment in training, stability, and phased implementation, particularly important for a new unit
• The opportunity to help shape workflows, standards, and culture from the ground up
• A role that offers meaningful impact with a focused patient population
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life for healthcare professionals seeking balance. Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area combines outdoor adventure with vibrant culture, acclaimed dining, wineries, and a strong sense of community. The region offers a more manageable cost of living than many major metro areas, excellent schools, and easy access to hiking, biking, and year-round recreation. For nurses working nights, Charlottesville provides a calm, welcoming environment that supports both professional focus and personal renewal.

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 $39.90 - $53.00 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.