Inpatient Psychiatry - 5 EastBehavioral health nursing leadership requires equal parts clinical expertise, critical thinking, and compassionate presence. This role offers the opportunity to lead a dedicated psychiatric nursing team while making a meaningful impact on the recovery journey of adults experiencing acute mental health needs.
As the Charge Nurse for UVA Health's
Inpatient Psychiatry unit, you will serve as a frontline clinical leader who supports exceptional patient care, mentors nursing staff, and helps guide daily operations within a highly collaborative behavioral health environment. This is an opportunity to combine direct patient care with leadership responsibilities in one of Virginia's premier academic health systems.
The RoleWorking within a
25-bed adult acute inpatient psychiatric unit, you will help shape both the patient experience and the professional practice environment. This licensed, non-forensic, milieu-based behavioral health unit cares for adults experiencing acute psychiatric conditions requiring a higher level of support and intervention than outpatient or crisis services can provide.
As Charge Nurse, you will maintain a strong bedside presence while serving as a key operational and clinical resource for the team. You'll partner closely with psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive, recovery-focused care.
This fast-paced environment provides exposure to patients with primary psychiatric diagnoses as well as individuals receiving
medical detoxification services, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and substance use disorder support. The role offers a unique blend of
clinical leadership, patient advocacy, staff mentorship, operational coordination, and direct hands-on nursing care.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading daily shift operations and coordinating unit workflow
- Assigning and balancing patient care responsibilities across the nursing team
- Serving as a mentor, coach, and clinical resource for nursing staff
- Supporting admissions, treatment planning, and discharge processes
- Participating in crisis intervention and behavioral de-escalation efforts
- Promoting a safe, therapeutic milieu for both patients and staff
- Monitoring quality, patient safety, and regulatory compliance initiatives
- Advocating for patients and families throughout the care continuum
- Supporting evidence-based psychiatric nursing practice and professional growth
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Bachelor's of Science in Nursing or currently enrolled in an accredited nursing BSN/MSN program that will be completed within 5 years of hire.
Experience: RN Clinician 2 or higher who has been employed on the unit for 6 months or has had previous Charge Nurse experience from another unit/organization.
Licensure: Licensed to Practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia. American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDSJob requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently traveling and 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 $47.23 - $62.15 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
- Generous Paid Time Off
- Retirement Savings
- Long-term and Short-term Disability
- Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Certification and Education Support
