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 Role The 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 Why UVA Health At UVA Health, you'll join an academic health system known for innovation, clinical excellence, and a commitment to advancing patient care through collaboration and discovery.
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of improving outcomes for some of the most medically complex pediatric patients in the Commonwealth. Our Clinical Nurse Leaders use their certification how it was intended: influencing practice, building strong relationships, using data to guide decisions, and bringing teams together around a common goal of improving care for children and families.
What makes this opportunity stand out: Newly dedicated PICU-exclusive Clinical Nurse Leader position , offering the opportunity to help define and shape the role's long-term impact Direct partnership with nationally respected pediatric cardiology and heart transplant teams Opportunity to influence care delivery for critically ill newborns, infants, children, and adolescents Membership in a supportive and growing Women's and Children's Clinical Nurse Leader cohort Strong alignment with organizational priorities focused on quality, safety, and evidence-based practice Collaboration with experienced quality leaders, analysts, nursing leadership, and interdisciplinary teams Exposure to complex improvement initiatives that create measurable outcomes across the health system Opportunities for professional growth through leadership visibility and participation in hospital-wide improvement efforts A culture that values innovation, inquiry, collaboration, and continuous learning 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
Master’s or doctoral degree in Nursing
2 years of experience as a registered nurse working in a relevant practice area.
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. 2023-2024 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 2023-2024 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. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer.
All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .