Registered Nurse (RN) Surgical Subspecialties 5 Central

Build deep surgical nursing expertise while helping adult patients navigate some of the most consequential moments of their care journey. 

Join 5 Central, a 28-bed acute care Surgical Subspecialties unit, where nurses provide specialized pre-operative and post-operative care across general, colorectal, gynecological, and urologic surgery, as well as trauma care. This is an opportunity to strengthen your assessment, prioritization, and patient-management skills within a collaborative, high-acuity academic medical center environment. 

The Role 

As a Registered Nurse on the Surgical Subspecialties unit, you will coordinate comprehensive, evidence-based care for a diverse surgical population throughout hospitalization. You will partner with patients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary colleagues to support safe preparation for surgery, closely monitor recovery, manage complex clinical needs, and promote confident transitions through each phase of care. 

An average day may include: 

• Performing comprehensive assessments and recognizing meaningful changes in patients’ clinical status 

• Developing, implementing, and evaluating individualized plans of care 

• Monitoring pre-operative readiness and post-operative recovery 

• Managing the needs of patients across multiple surgical specialties, including individuals receiving trauma care 

• Coordinating care with physicians and other members of the interdisciplinary team 

• Providing clear, compassionate education to patients and families throughout the surgical journey 

• Maintaining accurate, timely clinical documentation 

• Applying current technology and evidence-based practices to support quality outcomes 

• Contributing to quality improvement, shared governance, and professional practice initiatives 

The unit maintains a 1:4 nurse-to-patient ratio with support from a free-floating charge nurse, helping bedside RNs remain focused on patient care while maintaining access to experienced clinical support. The breadth of the patient population creates meaningful opportunities to sharpen pattern recognition, clinical judgment, and care coordination skills. 

This role is especially well suited to a nurse who is adaptable, team-oriented, motivated by continuous learning, and passionate about surgical recovery. Acute care, medical-surgical, post-operative, or trauma nursing experience can provide a strong foundation for success. 

Why UVA Health 

At UVA Health, nurses practice at the intersection of compassionate care, academic medicine, research, education, and innovation. As part of an ANCC Magnet-recognized academic health system and Level I trauma center, you will collaborate with clinicians who are advancing care while supporting patients with complex and specialized needs. 

On 5 Central, you will find an environment designed to support both clinical excellence and long-term professional growth: 

• A broad surgical case mix that expands your experience across general, colorectal, gynecological, and urologic surgery, plus trauma care 

• A supportive clinical structure, including a 1:4 nurse-to-patient ratio and free-floating charge nurse 

• Relationship-based care that centers meaningful connections with patients, families, colleagues, and self 

• Shared governance opportunities that give nurses a voice in clinical practice and organizational decision-making 

• Professional certification support, mentorship, and preceptorship opportunities 

• Clinical advancement and leadership development pathways 

• Opportunities to participate in nursing research, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and professional governance 

Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. 

Whether your goal is to deepen your surgical nursing expertise, earn specialty certification, contribute to practice improvement, mentor others, or prepare for future leadership, UVA Health offers the resources and clinical exposure to help you continue moving forward. 

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