Assistant Patient Care Director (Registered Nurse Leader) - Behavioral Health Unit

Position Title

Assistant Patient Care Director (Registered Nurse Leader) - Behavioral Health Unit

Job Description Summary

Take the next step in your nursing leadership journey as an Assistant Patient Care Director in Behavioral Health, where you'll play a pivotal role in guiding and supporting a dedicated team of RNs. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for a Bachelor's-prepared nurse who thrives in a fast-paced, team-driven environment and is passionate about mentoring others, strengthening clinical practice, and shaping a positive unit culture. You'll be a visible leader on the floor, coaching staff, supporting complex patient care, and driving excellence in everyday practice. If you're ready to grow your leadership impact while making a meaningful difference for both patients and staff, this is your opportunity.


Located in Arlington, Virginia, VHC Health is a 548-bed, independent, not-for-profit health system and nationally recognized teaching hospital. We have proudly served the Washington, DC metropolitan community for more than 75 years. Consistently ranked among the top hospitals in Virginia and the region, VHC Health has earned recognition as a 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Employer and a 2025 Newsweek World's Best Hospital . We also hold the prestigious Magnet® designation for nursing excellence. As a Level II Trauma Center, we are committed to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care when it matters most.

At VHC Health, you're more than an employee, you're part of a team that values collaboration, respect, and growth. You will work alongside highly skilled professionals in a supportive, forward-thinking environment. Your voice is heard, and your contributions make a real impact. With state-of-the-art facilities, expanding specialty services, and strong community partnerships, VHC Health offers the opportunity to build a meaningful, long-term career while making a difference in the lives of patients and the community we serve.

Job Description

Purpose & Scope:

The Assistant Patient Care Director is responsible for direction of the nursing unit (s) in coordination with the patient care director in concert with the goals of that unit according to the philosophy of the Division of Patient Care Services. The responsibility includes unit administration, direct nursing care and coordinating activities with ancillary departments. The assistant patient care director reports to the patient care director. An advanced competency level, knowledge of the nursing process, and consistently meeting or exceeding all criteria of the staff nurse performance appraisal tool is expected of assistant patient care directors.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Nursing from an accredited School of Nursing required.

Experience:

One year of experience in nursing / patient care required.

One year of demonstrated leadership ability required.

Certification/Licensure:

Licensed as a Registered Nurse by the Virginia Department of Health Professions or Compact State Licensure in Nursing is required.

Certification in Area of Clinical Specialty is preferred.

BLS Certification is required.

Other Qualifications

Registered Nurses on designated units are required to maintain certain certifications. New to practice area nurses or new graduates have 1 year to complete the specialty requirements below.

ACLS: ED, ICU, CVICU, Cardiac Cath Lab, Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Bronch Suite, Interventional Radiology, Radiology Safety Nurses, Step down Units (3A, 3B, 4B), 6A, 6B, 7A, Labor and Delivery, Hemodialysis, Respiratory Therapy, Float pool, GI Unit, and PACU

PALS: PACU: Pediatric Nurses, ED

NRP: NICU, Mother Baby, Labor and Delivery

De-escalation training: BHU, ED

Per policy ACLS or PALS cards stand as showing competence in BLS Skills per American Heart Association Guidelines. If an employee holds current ACLS or PALS certification, this meets the requirement for BLS in their job description. They do not need to also carry a separate BLS certification.

Additional Job Description

Pay & Benefits: Commensurate with experience. Team members are eligible to receive benefits on the first day of the month following the date of hire, with 30 days to apply for benefits of choice.

• Employee-Led Engagement and Wellness Committee dedicated to make work a fun and healthy place to work
• Annual Employee Survey - Your Voice is Heard at VHC!
• Paid Major Holidays
• Generous Paid Time Off / Vacation / Sick Time
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment
• Career Counseling, Leadership Development and Training
• Clinical and Research Pathways Eligible
• Annual Merit Review and Merit Increases
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Health Fitness & Education Class Discounts
• Employee Wellness Benefits
• Hospital Discount for Employees and Family
• VHC Health Outpatient Pharmacy
• VHC Retirement Program
• Workforce Enhancement Program
• Work/Life Discounts Program
• Free onsite parking
• Commuter Benefits
• Family Leave
• 401(k) + Match
• and much more!