Registered Nurse (RN) - Surgical Intermediate Care Unit (SIMU)

UVA Health; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Disability Insurance

Retirement Savings

Certification support

Job summary

UVA Health in Charlottesville, VA, seeks a Registered Nurse for the Surgical Intermediate Care Unit (SIMU). This full-time role supports high-acuity surgical and trauma patients, with a typical 1:3 nurse-to-patient ratio and close collaboration with an interprofessional team to coordinate care.

You will practice at the top of your license in a dynamic academic medical center that emphasizes professional growth, clinical excellence, and mentorship, with relocation assistance available for

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program; BSN required within 5 years.
• Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in Virginia with AHA BLS.
• 1 year of relevant experience in surgical/trauma care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-acuity nursing care to surgical and trauma patients.
• Maintain a 1:3 nurse-to-patient ratio.
• Monitor high-risk medications and conscious sedation.
• Collaborate with physicians, APPs, therapists, and other disciplines to coordinate care plans.
• Engage in rapid response and clinical decision-making.
• Educate patients and families throughout the care journey.

Skills

Clinical nursing

Critical care experience

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

RN licensure in Virginia

Tools

AHA BLS certification

Job description

Caring for patients at a critical point between intensive care and recovery requires precision, vigilance, and clinical confidence. In UVA Health’s Surgical Intermediate Care Unit, you will play a vital role in managing complex, high-acuity surgical patients while collaborating closely with an expert interprofessional team.

Join a fast-paced, 12-bed intermediate care unit where your clinical expertise directly impacts outcomes for patients recovering from major surgical procedures and traumatic injuries. This is a full-time RN opportunity within a nationally recognized academic medical center that prioritizes professional growth, clinical excellence, and meaningful contributions to patient care.

The Role

As a Registered Nurse in the Surgical Intermediate Care Unit (SIMU), you will practice at the top of your license in a highly dynamic setting that bridges critical and acute care. The unit cares for a diverse adult population requiring close monitoring, frequent interventions, and advanced clinical judgment.

In This Role, You Can Expect To

• Deliver evidence-based, high-acuity nursing care to surgical and trauma patients with complex needs
• Manage a typical 1:3 nurse-to-patient ratio, allowing for focused, attentive care
• Monitor and care for patients requiring high-risk medications, including those undergoing conscious sedation
• Support procedures both within the unit and in procedural areas, demonstrating advanced clinical adaptability
• Collaborate daily with physicians, advanced practice providers, therapists, and other disciplines to coordinate care plans
• Perform continuous assessment, rapid response interventions, and clinical decision-making in a fast-paced environment
• Engage in patient and family education, ensuring clarity and confidence throughout the care journey

This environment demands strong clinical skills, situational awareness, and a commitment to teamwork, making it ideal for nurses who thrive in challenging, high-impact settings.

Why UVA Health

UVA Health offers an environment where professional nursing practice is deeply supported and continuously evolving. As part of a leading academic medical center, you will have access to advanced resources, research-informed care models, and a culture that prioritizes nursing excellence.

• Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO): Empowers nurses to influence practice, quality, and innovation
• Clinical Career Ladder (CCL): Structured advancement aligned with your clinical growth, leadership development, and career goals
• Care delivery guided by the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, ensuring excellence in patient care
• A strong emphasis on mentorship, leadership, and professional engagement, promoting long-term career satisfaction
• Work within a collaborative academic environment that integrates education, research, and clinical practice
• Participate in a culture committed to continuous improvement, patient safety, and clinical excellence

Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

This role is particularly impactful as it supports patients during some of their most vulnerable moments, requiring highly skilled nurses who are committed to advancing both patient outcomes and their own professional practice.

Why People Love Living In Charlottesville

Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life, blending the charm of a vibrant college town with access to the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Healthcare professionals are drawn to the area’s balance of career opportunity and lifestyle, with access to outdoor recreation, award-winning wineries, a thriving culinary scene, and a strong sense of community. The region provides an ideal environment for both individuals and families seeking a slower pace without sacrificing culture, education, or professional growth opportunities.

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.

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 - $54.15 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
• 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 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.