Exceptional neonatal care requires strong clinical leadership, teamwork, and a relentless commitment to supporting the most vulnerable patients and their families. This opportunity offers an experienced neonatal nurse leader the chance to help guide a highly specialized NICU team within one of Virginia's premier academic health systems.
As the Assistant Nurse Manager for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, you will partner with nursing leadership to support clinical excellence, staff development, operational effectiveness, and outstanding patient outcomes. This role combines hands-on leadership with meaningful opportunities to mentor nurses, strengthen team performance, and contribute to the future of neonatal care in a nationally recognized academic environment.
The Role
The Assistant Nurse Manager serves as a key leader within a fast-paced, highly specialized NICU caring for critically ill and medically complex newborns. Working closely with the Nurse Manager, physicians, advanced practice providers, respiratory therapists, and interdisciplinary care teams, you will help ensure exceptional patient care while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
In an average day, you will balance clinical leadership, operational oversight, staff support, and patient-family centered care, helping the team maintain the highest standards of safety and quality.
Key responsibilities include:
Supporting daily unit operations, patient flow, staffing, and resource management
Coaching, mentoring, and developing nursing staff to promote clinical excellence and professional growth
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated, evidence-based care for critically ill newborns
Assisting with quality improvement initiatives, patient safety efforts, and regulatory readiness
Serving as a visible leader and resource for bedside staff, patients, and families
Promoting a culture of engagement, accountability, and continuous learning
Supporting performance management, recruitment, onboarding, and retention activities
Contributing to strategic initiatives that advance neonatal nursing practice and patient outcomes
This is an opportunity for a clinically strong RN leader to make a lasting impact on patients, families, and team members while helping shape the future of neonatal care.
Why UVA Health
UVA Health is one of the nation's leading academic health systems, where innovation, research, education, and exceptional patient care come together to transform lives. Nurses and nurse leaders work alongside nationally recognized physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing the practice of medicine.
Within UVA Health Children's, you will join a team that delivers highly specialized care for newborns requiring advanced neonatal services. The NICU plays a critical role in caring for premature and critically ill infants while supporting families through some of the most important moments of their lives.
Highlights of this opportunity include:
Join the #1 Children's Hospital in Virginia
Lead within a Magnet-designated nursing environment committed to nursing excellence
Work in an academic medical center recognized for innovation, education, and research
Collaborate with expert neonatal physicians, advanced practice providers, and multidisciplinary specialists
Support a team caring for medically complex neonatal populations requiring advanced, evidence-based treatment
Access robust professional development, leadership growth, and career advancement opportunities
Participate in a culture of shared governance, quality improvement, and clinical excellence
Help develop the next generation of nurses within a nationally respected healthcare system
Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
At UVA Health, nurse leaders are empowered to influence practice, improve outcomes, and drive meaningful change across the organization while remaining connected to the mission of delivering extraordinary care.
Why People Love Living in Charlottesville
Charlottesville offers the ideal balance of professional opportunity and exceptional quality of life. Nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains, the region is known for its stunning outdoor recreation, vibrant arts and cultural scene, award-winning wineries, and outstanding food experiences. Residents enjoy easy access to hiking, cycling, and weekend mountain adventures while benefiting from a welcoming community, excellent schools, and the resources of a world-class university. For healthcare professionals and families alike, Charlottesville provides a unique blend of career growth, natural beauty, and everyday livability that is difficult to find elsewhere.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Graduate of accredited nursing program, Bachelor of Science in Nursing required within 5 years of hire.
Experience: At least two years’ experience as a registered nurse
Licensure: Licensed to Practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia required.American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping/traveling, climbing (ladder, steps) and driving. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull > 100lbs. May be exposed to fumes, chemicals, vibrations, humidity, cold, heat, noise, outdoor climate, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.
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.