Registered Nurse (RN) - Main OR (Periop 101)

For experienced nurses ready to move beyond traditional bedside practice, this opportunity offers a direct pathway into one of nursing's most specialized and respected clinical environments. Through UVA Health's Periop 101 Program, you'll transition into the operating room while building expertise in complex surgical care at an academic medical center known for innovation, excellence, and some of the region's most advanced procedures.

This position is designed for registered nurses who bring strong clinical foundations and are seeking a new challenge in perioperative nursing. Whether your background is in acute care, critical care, emergency medicine, or another patient care setting, you'll receive the education, mentorship, and immersive surgical experience needed to develop into a confident perioperative nurse while becoming part of a team that impacts patient outcomes during some of their most critical moments.

The Role

Perioperative nursing is unlike any other area of nursing practice. As a participant in UVA Health's Periop 101 Program, you will develop highly specialized skills while working alongside surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, and multidisciplinary teams caring for patients across a wide range of surgical services.

This nine-month transition-to-OR program combines structured education with extensive clinical immersion, creating a clear pathway for experienced nurses who want to build a long-term career in the operating room.

In this role, you will:

- Complete a c omprehensive perioperative curriculum that includes approximately two months of dedicated classroom learning followed by extensive clinical orientation

- Learn advanced surgical workflows, sterile technique, instrumentation, patient positioning, and intraoperative patient safety practices

- Partner closely with surgeons and anesthesia teams during procedures ranging from routine operations to highly complex surgical cases

- Serve as the patient's advocate throughout the surgical experience, ensuring safety, communication, and continuity of care

- Gain exposure to multiple surgical specialties while working in a high-acuity, technology-driven environment

- Build expertise in an area of nursing that offers significant opportunities for specialization and long-term career growth

- Develop clinical judgment specific to the operating room through one-on-one mentorship, preceptor support, and hands-on learning

Upon successful completion of the program, nurses are offered permanent placement within one of the Main Operating Room teams. Team assignments are based on departmental needs while also considering individual interests and scheduling preferences. Nurses will have ample opportunities to specialize in specific surgical services or gain experience across multiple specialties through floating opportunities, allowing for continued professional growth and development.

Ideal candidates typically possess one or more years of RN experience , strong critical thinking skills, and a genuine interest in surgical nursing. Previous operating room exposure through clinicals, shadowing, or externship experiences is beneficial but not required.

Why UVA Health

For nurses transitioning into perioperative practice, there are few environments that offer the breadth, complexity, and professional development opportunities available at UVA Health .

As Virginia's premier academic health system, UVA Health combines leading-edge clinical care, research, education, and innovation within an organization committed to advancing the future of medicine. Nurses have the opportunity to learn from nationally recognized clinicians while caring for patients with highly complex medical and surgical needs.

What sets this opportunity apart:

- Dedicated Periop 101 pathway designed specifically for nurses entering the operating room specialty

- Extensive preceptor, educator, and leadership support throughout orientation

- Exposure to a diverse range of surgical specialties and advanced procedures

- Opportunities to build expertise within a highly skilled surgical services team

- A collaborative culture that values professional growth, continuous learning, and clinical excellence

- Access to the resources and career mobility opportunities available within a nationally recognized academic health system

- A workplace where nurses are encouraged to expand their knowledge, develop specialized expertise, and advance professionally

- Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates

For experienced nurses seeking a career change without sacrificing the value of their existing clinical experience, this role provides a unique opportunity to redefine your nursing career while entering one of healthcare's most dynamic and rewarding specialties.

Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The pay range for this role is $42.65-$56.27 hourly.

Individual compensation is determined by qualifications, previous work experience, and education.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life for healthcare professionals. The area blends the energy of a vibrant university community with the charm of a smaller city, creating an environment where career growth and personal well-being naturally coexist. Residents enjoy award-winning restaurants, wineries, hiking trails, live entertainment, and easy access to outdoor recreation, all while benefiting from a welcoming community and outstanding quality of life. Whether you're relocating independently or with family, Charlottesville provides the opportunity to build an exceptional career without sacrificing the lifestyle you're looking for.

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.

When RN Clinician 2-OR has no previous OR experience he/she must successfully complete and pass final examination of the AORN Periop 101 Core Curriculum program within six months of hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping; Repetitive motion: passing instruments, lifting instrument sets. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 100lbs. May be exposed to cold, radiation, chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

Benefits

- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off
- Retirement Savings
- Long-term and Short-term Disability
- Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Certification and Education Support

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 .