Charge Nurse - Inpatient Psychiatry - Days FT
About The Position
Behavioral 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. Working 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.
Requirements
- 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.
- 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.
- Licensed to Practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required.
Responsibilities
- 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
Benefits
- 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
- Sign on bonus and relocation assistance available for qualified candidates!
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
