Assistant Patient Care Director, Observation Unit (Night Shift)

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

Launch your nursing career in one of the most dynamic and supportive environments at VHC Health! The Observation Unit is a fast-paced, high-energy team where no two days are the same. Caring for adult observation patients with 24–48 hour stays, nurses gain hands-on experience with Class I and II telemetry, pre- and post-operative surgical care, cardiac and diabetes monitoring, neuro checks, patient education, and mobility support all within a collaborative 15-bed unit that recently moved into a beautiful newly constructed space with plans to expand to 30 beds.

This unit is ideal for Registered Nurses who thrive in a teaching-focused environment and want to sharpen their clinical skills while working alongside an experienced, highly engaged team. Our Observation Unit partners closely with the Emergency Department to help mentor and develop new graduate nurses before they transition into the ED, making it an incredible place to build confidence and grow professionally. Teamwork and culture are at the heart of what we do, many staff members have been with the department for over five years, and our team enjoys monthly potlucks, strong camaraderie, and highly skilled clinical technicians who support patient care with phlebotomy and IV expertise. From charge nurse and preceptor development programs to opportunities to participate in unit-based councils and hospital-wide initiatives, the Observation Unit offers endless ways to grow your career while making a meaningful impact every day!

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.

Responsibilities

At VHC Health, every role contributes to exceptional care, better outcomes, and stronger communities.
\nIn addition to your base compensation, VHC Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage (subject to eligibility requirements), as well as additional wellness and retirement benefits designed to support our employees and their families.
\nVHC Health is committed to wage transparency and equitable pay practices. The compensation offered for this position—whether expressed as an annual salary or hourly rate—is determined based on a variety of legitimate, non-discriminatory factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, a candidate’s qualifications, relevant training and experience, skill level, shift differentials (where applicable), internal equity, and current market conditions.
\nThe posted hiring range reflects the range VHC Health, in good faith, believes is appropriate for this role at the time of posting. This range may be adjusted in the future based on business needs or market changes. No portion of compensation is considered earned until it is vested and determined in accordance with the terms of applicable policies and benefit plans. The availability and amount of any bonuses, incentives, or other benefits are subject to the terms of those plans and may be modified at the sole discretion of VHC Health, in accordance with applicable law.
\nVHC Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.
\nVHC Health maintains a drug-free workplace. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited at all VHC Health locations.

Qualifications

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.