Registered Nurse (RN) - Pre/Post PACU Main Hospital

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Virginia UVA Health is seeking a Pre/Post PACU Registered Nurse to deliver comprehensive care before and after anesthesia. You will work in a fast-paced, evidence-based environment with interdisciplinary teams across peri-anesthesia units in Charlottesville.

The role emphasizes clinical precision, patient education, and safe transitions, with opportunities for growth via a clinical ladder within a Magnet-recognized academic medical center.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program required.
• BSN required within 5 years of hire.
• 1 year of relevant experience.
• Preferred: 2 years in a high acuity setting.
• Licensed to Practice as RN in Virginia; AHA BLS certification required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver pre-operative and post-anesthesia nursing care for patients across multiple service lines and acuity levels.
• Perform detailed patient assessments, monitor for complications, and intervene rapidly when needed.
• Collaborate with anesthesia providers, surgeons, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, coordinated care transitions.
• Educate patients and families on post-operative expectations, recovery processes, and discharge instructions.
• Utilize clinical judgment and advanced critical thinking to respond to rapidly changing patient conditions.

Skills

Clinical precision

Collaboration

Patient assessment

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Graduate of accredited nursing program

Job description

Job Description

Delivering safe, high acuity peri anesthesia care requires clinical precision, strong collaboration, and the ability to anticipate patient needs at every transition point. UVA Health’s Main Hospital PACU team plays a critical role in ensuring seamless surgical recovery for a diverse and complex patient population.

This role offers experienced RNs the opportunity to practice at the top of their license in a dynamic academic environment. You will care for patients across a wide spectrum of acuity levels while working alongside a highly skilled interdisciplinary team committed to excellence in peri anesthesia care.

The Role

As a Pre/Post PACU Registered Nurse, you will provide comprehensive care to patients before and after anesthesia, ensuring safe transitions through critical phases of surgical recovery. The environment is fast paced, highly collaborative, and rooted in evidence based practice.

Available Perioperative Units include:

• Peri-Anesthesia Main Pre Op




• Peri-Anesthesia Main Post Op




• Peri-Anesthesia Main Pediatrics Pre/Post op




• Peri-Anesthesia Main Extended Stay (23hr observation)

In an average day, you will:

• Deliver pre-operative and post anesthesia nursing care for patients across multiple service lines and acuity levels




• Perform detailed patient assessments, monitor for complications, and intervene rapidly when needed




• Collaborate with anesthesia providers, surgeons, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, coordinated care transitions




• Educate patients and families on post-operative expectations, recovery processes, and discharge instructions




• Utilize clinical judgment and advanced critical thinking to respond to rapidly changing patient conditions

This role blends technical excellence with compassionate patient interaction, offering a high level of engagement and professional challenge throughout each shift.

Why UVA Health

UVA Health offers a distinctly supportive and professionally rewarding environment for PACU nurses, combining academic medicine excellence with a strong commitment to nurse wellbeing and development.

As part of the Peri Anesthesia team, you will benefit from:

• Flexible scheduling with no scheduled holiday shifts , using a mix of 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12‑hour shifts to support work‑life balance




• Minimal call requirements , with limited night, weekend, and holiday call expectations




• Comprehensive orientation and mentoring , tailored to your experience level and clinical background




• Practice within a Magnet recognized organization , reflecting nursing excellence and a culture of shared governance




• Participate in the Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) , empowering nurses with a voice in clinical practice standards and decision making




• Exposure to a wide variety of patient populations and acuity levels , supported by UVA’s role as an academic medical center, Level 1 Trauma Center, and nationally recognized children’s hospital




• A clearly defined clinical ladder that supports advancement, leadership development, and long‑term career growth

Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

This is a role where your expertise is valued, your development is prioritized, and your impact on patient outcomes is both immediate and meaningful.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville

Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life, blending the energy of a vibrant university town with the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Healthcare professionals are drawn to the area for its balance of career opportunity and lifestyle, with access to outdoor recreation, award‑winning wineries, and a thriving local dining scene. The community is welcoming and culturally rich, with convenient proximity to Richmond, Washington, D.C., and scenic regional destinations. It is an ideal setting for professionals seeking both personal fulfillment and professional growth.

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.

Preferred Experience: 2 years in a high acuity setting

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




• Generous Paid Time Off




• Retirement Savings




• Long-term and Short-term Disability




• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts




• Certification and Education Support

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).