Critically ill patients require nurses who thrive in complexity, think decisively under pressure, and deliver compassionate care at the highest level. In UVA Health's Medical ICU, your clinical judgment and expertise directly shape outcomes for some of the most medically complex patients in the health system.
This role offers the opportunity to practice at the top of your license in a high-acuity, academically driven ICU environment , where interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced therapies, and continuous learning are part of every shift. Nurses in the MICU build highly specialized skill sets while contributing to a culture grounded in safety, teamwork, and professional growth.
The Role
The Medical ICU (MICU) at UVA Health is a 28-bed critical care unit spanning two pods, designed to care for adults experiencing complex, multisystem illness. This is a fast-paced, high-acuity environment where no two shifts are alike and clinical expertise is constantly evolving.
In this role, you will deliver comprehensive, relationship-based care while partnering closely with an interdisciplinary team to manage critically ill patients and support their families through complex clinical journeys. A typical day blends advanced technical care, real-time clinical decision-making, and meaningful collaboration.
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Provide direct care to high-acuity patients with diagnoses such as sepsis, respiratory failure, cancer, GI bleed, and multisystem organ failure
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Manage advanced therapies and technologies , including mechanical ventilation, CRRT, vasoactive infusions, continuous EEG, invasive hemodynamic monitoring, and complex line management
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Participate in team huddles and bedside handoffs to ensure safe, coordinated transitions of care
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Work within acuity-based assignments , typically 1:1 to 1:2 nurse-to-patient ratios, allowing for focused and high-quality care delivery
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Collaborate with a robust interdisciplinary team including physicians, advanced practice providers, clinical nurse specialists, therapists, case managers, and support services
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Contribute to workflow and quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and strengthen team performance
This is more than a role. It is an opportunity to develop advanced clinical expertise while making a meaningful impact on patients and families during their most critical moments.
Why UVA Health
UVA Health combines the innovation of an academic medical center with a strong culture of teamwork, professional growth, and patient-centered care. In the MICU, this translates into a setting where nurses are supported, challenged, and empowered to grow their careers in critical care.
You will benefit from a culture that prioritizes both clinical excellence and caregiver wellbeing , while offering exposure to some of the most complex patient care scenarios in the region.
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Practice in a high-acuity ICU with exposure to diverse critical illnesses and advanced life-support therapies
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Be part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary care model where nursing voices are valued in decision-making
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Work within a unit that emphasizes relationship-based care, teamwork, and shared governance
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Learn and grow through academic partnerships, mentorship, and continuous professional development opportunities
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Thrive under engaged, approachable leadership committed to supporting your growth, wellbeing, and career advancement
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Participate in unit-driven initiatives focused on improving workflows, strengthening RN-PCT partnerships, and advancing safety and quality outcomes
Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
Why People Love Living in Charlottesville
Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life, blending vibrant culture with natural beauty. Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it provides easy access to outdoor recreation including hiking, cycling, and scenic drives, alongside a lively downtown filled with locally owned restaurants, music venues, and wineries. The community is welcoming and dynamic, making it easy to build connections both inside and outside of work. For healthcare professionals, Charlottesville provides the ideal balance of a fulfilling career and a lifestyle that allows time to recharge, explore, and enjoy everything the region has to offer.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing program required. Bachelor of Science in Nursing required within 5 years of hire.
Experience: 1 year of relevant experience.
Licensure: Licensed to Practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia. American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required.
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 $39.90 - $53.00 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.
Benefits
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Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
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Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings
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Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
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Certification and education support
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Generous Paid Time Off
UVA Health (https://jobs.virginia.edu/why-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 (https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/va/university-of-virginia-medical-center-6344000) 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 (https://jobs.virginia.edu/uva-childrens) is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report (https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/va/university-of-virginia-childrens-hospital-PA6344000) 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 (https://eocr.virginia.edu/notice-non-discrimination-and-equal-opportunity) .
