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

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.