Registered Nurse (RN) - Emergency Department

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance may be available

Magnet recognized culture

Academic medical center environment

Job summary

UVA Health in Charlottesville, Virginia, seeks an experienced Registered Nurse for the Adult Emergency Department. This Level I Trauma academic medical center combines magnet recognition with a strong physician partnership to deliver top‑tier emergency care.

The role emphasizes rapid assessment, evidence‑based practice, and collaboration across disciplines within a cutting‑edge, academically oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Graduate of accredited nursing program; BSN required within 5 years of hire.
• 1 year of relevant emergency/critical care experience preferred.
• Licensed Registered Nurse in Virginia with BLS certification.

Responsibilities

• Rapidly triage and provide ongoing nursing care for adult ED patients.
• Care for patients with complex medical conditions, trauma, and time‑sensitive emergencies.
• Apply critical thinking to prioritize care in a dynamic setting.
• Collaborate with physicians, trauma surgeons, APPs, pharmacists, and therapists.
• Utilize advanced monitoring and technology to support patient care.

Skills

Emergency nursing

Critical care

Rapid assessment

Team collaboration

Education

BSN

RN license in Virginia

Job description

Where decisive nursing practice meets academic emergency medicine.

At UVA Health, the Adult Emergency Department is where expert clinical judgment, teamwork, and urgency converge. This is emergency nursing at the highest level, serving a diverse adult population with everything from complex medical emergencies to high‑acuity trauma. As part of a nationally recognized academic health system, Adult ED nurses at UVA Health practice at the top of their license while shaping the future of emergency care.

A career defining opportunity in a Level I Trauma academic medical center

The Adult Emergency Department offers a fast paced, intellectually rigorous environment supported by cutting‑edge facilities, strong physician partnership, and a Magnet ‑ recognized nursing culture. This role is particularly well‑suited for nurses who bring prior Emergency Department or other critical care experience and are looking to deepen their impact within an academic, high‑acuity setting.

The Role

As a Registered Nurse in the Adult Emergency Department, you will provide evidence‑based, patient centered care to adults experiencing acute illness, injury, and trauma within a high‑volume, high‑acuity environment. This role is an excellent fit for nurses who have developed strong clinical instincts in emergency or critical care settings and thrive in situations where rapid assessment and decisive action matter.

In this role, you will:

• Rapidly assess, stabile, and provide ongoing nursing care for adult emergency patients across the full acuity spectrum.
• Care for patients presenting with complex medical conditions, trauma, cardiac and neurologic emergencies, sepsis, and other time sensitive diagnoses.
• Apply critical thinking skills honed through Emergency Department, ICU, or other critical care experience to prioritize care in a dynamic environment.
• Collaborate closely with emergency medicine physicians, trauma surgeons, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Utilize advanced monitoring, diagnostics, and technology within UVA Health’s modern Emergency Department.
• Support patients and families during high stress moments while maintaining a calm, professional presence.
• Contribute to quality improvement, safety initiatives, and best‑practice development within the department.

What an average day looks like:

• Rapid triage and prioritization of multiple adult patients with competing clinical needs.
• High‑acuity teamwork during trauma activations and medical resuscitations.
• Managing patient flow while delivering individualized, evidence‑based care.
• Leveraging your clinical excellence to anticipate deterioration and provide early interventions.
• Teaching, learning, and collaborating within an academic medical center environment.
• Note: UVA Health operates a separate Pediatric Emergency Department. This position is dedicated to the Adult Emergency Department.

Why UVA Health

UVA Health is a nationally recognized academic health system anchored by the University Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Adult Emergency Department is a cornerstone of the organization’s mission, serving as both a regional referral center and a training ground for the future of emergency medicine.

What sets this opportunity apart:

• A Level I Trauma Center, providing exposure to complex adult trauma and critical medical emergencies
• A state‑of‑the‑art Emergency Department housed within a recently expanded University Medical Center, designed to support efficiency, safety, and high‑acuity care delivery
• A Magnet recognized nursing culture, reflecting strong professional governance, clinical autonomy, and a commitment to nursing excellence
• An academic environment that values experienced clinicians and supports continued growth, specialization, and leadership development
• Meaningful collaboration with physicians, learners, and interdisciplinary teams in a setting that values evidence‑based practice and innovation
• A health system investing in long‑term growth, modern facilities, and the future of emergency care
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville

Charlottesville offers a rare balance for healthcare professionals seeking both professional challenges and quality of life. Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area provides easy access to outdoor recreation, a vibrant food and wine scene, arts and culture, and a strong sense of community. With a lower cost of living than many major metropolitan areas and excellent options for families, Charlottesville allows nurses to recharge outside of work while staying deeply engaged in meaningful clinical practice.

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.

The pay range for this role is $41.05 - $54.15 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

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.

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 (https://jobs.virginia.edu/why-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 (https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/va/university‑of‑virginia‑medical‑center‑6344000) 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 (https://jobs.virginia.edu/uva‑childrens) is named by 2023‑2024 U.S. News & World Report (https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/va/university‑of‑virginia‑childrens‑hospital‑PA6344000) 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 (https://eocr.virginia.edu/notice-non-discrimination-and-equal-opportunity).