Bring your Clinical Nurse Leader expertise into a perioperative environment where quality, evidence-based practice, and frontline clinical insight come together to improve surgical care. This is a distinctive opportunity for an experienced OR nurse and certified CNL to practice at the full scope of CNL preparation in a role designed around clinical improvement, microsystem analysis, perioperative quality, and practice transformation .
As UVA Health continues to advance perioperative excellence, this role offers the opportunity to serve as a key clinical leader within the Main Operating Room while helping shape an innovative and evolving Clinical Nurse Leader model. You will have the ability to drive meaningful change, influence patient outcomes, and partner with surgical teams to strengthen practice across a complex academic medical center. The Role As a Clinical Nurse Leader in Perioperative Services, you will serve as a clinical improvement partner within the Main Operating Room, collaborating closely with perioperative leadership, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Quality Improvement Coordinators, OR leaders, and frontline surgical teams.
Unlike many CNL positions across the country, this is a dedicated Clinical Nurse Leader role with protected time to focus on quality improvement, evidence-based practice, microsystem analysis, and systems-level innovation. You will evaluate perioperative workflows, identify improvement opportunities, and support initiatives that enhance patient care, nursing practice, and operational outcomes. At the same time, you will remain closely connected to the clinical environment through direct exposure to surgical specialties and perioperative operations.
In this role, you will: Lead evidence-based practice initiatives across Perioperative Services. Conduct microsystem analyses to identify opportunities for quality and process improvement. Partner with perioperative leaders to prioritize and implement strategic initiatives.
Serve as a clinical improvement resource for nursing and interdisciplinary teams. Collaborate with Clinical Nurse Specialists, Quality Improvement Coordinators, surgeons, anesthesia providers, and frontline staff. Observe and evaluate perioperative workflows across multiple surgical specialties.
Participate in clinical activities within the OR, including opportunities to second scrub, second circulate, observe cases, and shadow across service lines. Support the implementation of and practice transformation initiatives. Help build and refine an emerging perioperative CNL program that is positioned for future growth across Pre-Op, PACU, and outpatient surgical services.
This is an opportunity to practice as a Clinical Nurse Leader the way the role was intended , utilizing your advanced education, certification, analytical skills, and clinical expertise to drive meaningful improvements across the surgical continuum. Why UVA Health At UVA Health , you will join one of the nation's premier academic health systems, recognized for innovation, research, education, and exceptional patient care.
The organization includes a world-class academic medical center, a Level I Trauma Center, Magnet-recognized nursing excellence, nationally recognized specialty programs, and a commitment to advancing the future of healthcare. For Clinical Nurse Leaders, this opportunity offers something truly unique: Protected CNL time dedicated to quality, evidence-based practice, microsystem analysis, and clinical improvement work.
A true Clinical Nurse Leader role , not combined with charge nurse or management responsibilities. Opportunity to help shape an innovative perioperative CNL model that is being evaluated for future expansion across the health system. Exposure to a broad range of surgical specialties and perioperative service lines.
Structured onboarding designed specifically for perioperative Clinical Nurse Leaders. Close collaboration with perioperative leadership, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Quality Improvement Coordinators, and interdisciplinary teams. Ongoing opportunities for leadership development, professional growth, and evidence-based practice initiatives.
The ability to directly influence patient care, nursing practice, operational performance, and perioperative outcomes. Access to advanced technology, including robotics and Smart OR capabilities. Supportive nursing culture grounded in professional governance, shared leadership, research, and continuous improvement.
Opportunities to contribute to the future growth of perioperative clinical leadership throughout UVA Health. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. Why People Love Living in Charlottesville Charlottesville offers an exceptional blend of professional opportunity and quality of life.
Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area provides easy access to hiking, cycling, wineries, outdoor recreation, and some of Virginia's most beautiful scenery. Residents enjoy a vibrant downtown, nationally recognized restaurants, arts and cultural attractions, excellent schools, and a welcoming community atmosphere. For healthcare professionals seeking both career advancement and personal balance, Charlottesville offers the advantages of a thriving academic medical center within a city known for its natural beauty, rich history, and outstanding lifestyle.
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 $89,523.20 - $143,228.80 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 .