A Career Defining Opportunity in Pediatric PeriAnesthesia Nursing At UVA Health, pediatric perioperative care does not stop when surgery ends. This newly created
Pediatric Surgical Observation Unit plays a critical role in ensuring safe overnight recovery, smooth patient flow, and exceptional family centered care for our youngest surgical patients . This is an opportunity to help shape a
brand-new pediatric unit .
Experienced pediatric nurses understand that the hours after surgery are some of the most important. In this role, you will provide thoughtful, vigilant overnight care for pediatric surgical patients requiring 23 - hour observation, ensuring clinical stability, comfort, and readiness for next day discharge . This position is ideal for pediatric nurses who value
clinical autonomy, lower patient ratios, strong interdisciplinary collaboration , and the opportunity to be part of something being built with intention and support. You will join a team designed to improve surgical throughput, decompress inpatient capacity, and elevate the pediatric perioperative experience at UVA Health.
The Role As a Registered Nurse in Pediatric Surgical Observation, you will practice in a
six bed , lower acuity pediatric surgical observation unit located directly adjacent to the Pediatric PACU on the main campus. The focus is overnight postoperative monitoring and recovery, bridging the gap between PACU and discharge.
The pace is focused and purposeful. Patient acuity is lower than inpatient units, yet the work requires strong pediatric assessment skills, sound clinical judgment, and comfort working independently at night .
On an average shift , you will:
- Provide postoperative nursing care for pediatric surgical patients following scheduled procedures
- Monitor recovery, pain control, airway stability, hydration status, and pediatric vital signs
- Deliver family centered education and reassurance , supporting caregivers through the overnight recovery period
- Depending on the scheduled shift, there may be opportunities to work across Pre-op and Post-op units as well.
- Collaborate closely with Pediatric PACU staff, anesthesia providers, surgeons, and interdisciplinary team members
- Support safe, timely next day discharge , reinforcing care plans and discharge readiness
- Practice in a unit designed specifically for pediatric surgical observation, not inpatient acute care
This role is part of a
phased expansion with structured onboarding, cross training in pediatric pre - op and post - op areas, and leadership support as the unit grows.
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.
Two or more years of acute care experience is strongly preferred, with experience in an Intermediate Care Unit (IMU), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or Emergency Department (ED) preferred. 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
- 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
