Charge Nurse

Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Charge NurseInpatient Psychiatric Unit is a 25-bed adult acute, non-forensic, milieu-based inpatient psychiatric unit licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The unit provides care for adults ages 18 and older experiencing acute episodes of mental illness requiring a higher level of supervision and intervention than can be provided through outpatient or crisis services. Patients admitted to the unit have a primary psychiatric diagnosis and may also receive medical detoxification services, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), support for substance use disorders (SUD), and multidisciplinary behavioral health care in a highly collaborative environment.The nursing team works closely with psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient-centered care focused on stabilization, safety, recovery, and discharge planning.Role Overview & Daily ResponsibilitiesThe Charge Nurse serves as a clinical leader, mentor, and operational resource for the nursing team while maintaining a strong bedside presence. This individual oversees daily unit operations, coordinates patient care activities, supports team members, and promotes a safe, therapeutic environment for patients and staff.Leadership FocusClinical LeadershipTeam MentorshipOperational CoordinationPatient AdvocacyDirect Clinical EngagementThe Charge Nurse has a significant impact on both individual patient outcomes and overall unit performance.Day-to-Day ResponsibilitiesLead daily shift operations on the inpatient psychiatric unitCoordinate patient assignments and workflowSupport and mentor nursing staffServe as a clinical resource during complex patient situationsEnsure a safe therapeutic milieu for patients and staffCollaborate with interdisciplinary team membersParticipate in crisis intervention and de-escalation effortsSupport admission, treatment, and discharge processesMonitor quality of care, patient safety, and regulatory compliancePromote evidence-based psychiatric nursing practicesAdvocate for patients and familiesWork EnvironmentFast-paced behavioral health environmentHigh-acuity psychiatric patient populationStrong emphasis on teamwork, communication, and safetyOpportunity to lead while maintaining direct patient care involvementRequired SkillsetActive Registered Nurse (RN) licensureStrong clinical nursing foundationAbility to lead in a fast-paced healthcare environmentExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsStrong critical thinking and clinical judgmentAbility to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teamsCommitment to patient-centered careAbility to handle crisis situations calmly and effectivelyPreferred SkillsetPrevious psychiatric/behavioral health nursing experienceCharge nurse, team lead, preceptor, or supervisory experienceExperience with acute inpatient psychiatric populationsExperience with substance use disorder treatment and MAT programsExperience working in high-acuity healthcare environmentsBehavioral health de-escalation and crisis intervention expertisePrevious mentoring or staff development experienceCore CharacteristicsLeadership presenceSound clinical decision-makingTeam-focused mindsetAdaptability in high-acuity environmentsStrong patient advocatePositive, collaborative communication styleConfidence in managing challenging situationsCommitment to continuous learning and professional developmentPassion for behavioral health and recovery-focused careProfessional OrganizationsAmerican Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA)Virginia Nurses Association (VNA)American Nurses Association (ANA)Behavioral health nursing networks and associationsSign-On BonusSign-On Bonus available for qualified candidatesRelocation AssistanceRelocation Assistance available for qualified candidatesMinimum RequirementsEducation: 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 DemandsJob 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.BenefitsComprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision InsurancePaid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement SavingsHealth Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending AccountsCertification and education supportGenerous Paid Time OffUVA 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.