In pediatric critical care, some of the most meaningful contributions happen beyond the bedside. This is an opportunity to drive quality, safety, and
evidence-based practice initiatives that directly impact outcomes for critically ill children while partnering with clinical leaders across one of the region's premier children's hospitals.
As the dedicated Clinical Nurse Leader for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), you will serve as a trusted quality and improvement resource, helping frontline teams translate data into action and innovation into measurable patient outcomes.
This newly structured, PICU-exclusive role offers the rare opportunity to shape the future of quality improvement efforts within a high-acuity pediatric environment while collaborating with experts across nursing, quality, and operational leadership.
The RoleThe Clinical Nurse Leader
serves as a catalyst for continuous improvement within the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Working closely with nursing leadership, interdisciplinary teams, and quality professionals, you will help advance patient safety, evidence-based practice, and performance improvement initiatives that support exceptional care for critically ill pediatric patients.
In this highly visible role, you will maintain a strong presence within the PICU, building relationships with frontline staff while guiding improvement efforts across the continuum of care. Although
this is not a direct patient care position, your influence will be felt in every aspect of the patient and family experience through your impact on quality outcomes and clinical practice.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and supporting evidence-based practice initiatives within the PICU
- Driving quality improvement and patient safety projects from planning through implementation
- Analyzing clinical and operational performance data to identify opportunities for improvement
- Collaborating with nursing leadership, physicians, analysts, and quality improvement professionals
- Facilitating change management efforts and supporting adoption of best practices
- Serving as a trusted resource for frontline staff and interdisciplinary teams
- Participating in unit huddles, operational meetings, and collaborative improvement activities
- Helping connect quality metrics, patient outcomes, and performance improvement strategies
- Supporting care initiatives involving high-acuity critical care pediatric, pediatric cardiology, and pediatric heart transplant populations
- Partnering with fellow Clinical Nurse Leaders across Women's and Children's Services to share best practices and advance system-wide improvements
Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.Why People Love Living in Charlottesville:Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life with the perfect balance of professional opportunity and personal fulfillment. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area is known for its outstanding hiking, cycling, wineries, vibrant arts scene, and nationally recognized restaurants. Residents enjoy a welcoming community, excellent schools, and easy access to both outdoor adventure and cultural attractions. For healthcare professionals and families alike, Charlottesville provides a uniquely rewarding lifestyle where career growth and work-life balance can thrive together.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Master's or doctoral degree in Nursing
Experience: 2 years of experience as a registered nurse working in a relevant practice area.
Licensure: VA nursing license, CNL certification.
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 $98,000.00 - $155,043.20 annually. 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. [redacted] 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 [redacted] 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.
