Clinical Nurse Leader - Primary Care and Ambulatory Behavioral Health
Listed on 2026-08-19
-
Nursing
Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Healthcare Nursing, RN Nurse
Nurses at UVA Health conduct evidence-based practice within a structure that allows point-of-care clinicians to drive questions and solutions, with support from the larger structure of science, quality improvement and evidence-based practice.
As a member of the Unit-Based Leadership (UBL) team, the clinical nurse leader (CNL) is responsible for supporting nursing professional practice through professional development, evidence-based practice, and unit-based quality improvement for one or more microsystem. The CNL trains, coaches and supports nurses and members of the interdisciplinary team to elevate professional practice in a manner consistent with organizational (UVA Health) standards, workflows, processes and strategic outcomes.
Practice is aligned with AACN CNL competencies, with the following focus areas:
- Professional Development:
The CNL continually develops, implements, and evaluates clinical processes and programs that engage nurses in lifelong learning to maintain competencies and learn new skills. - Evidence-Based Practice (EBP):
The CNL provides ongoing assessment, evaluation and prioritization of unit-based triggers that would benefit from an evidence-based approach to problem solving and practice change. They use the UVA Health EBP process to identify, evaluate and implement evidence-based solutions in collaboration with the UBL, unit nurses, and other stakeholders. - Unit-based Quality improvement (QI):
The CNL works collaboratively with the UBL to proactively and reactively address quality and safety concerns on the unit.
- Continually monitors new hires to evaluate progress toward competency goals, sharing this information with UBLs, collaborating with UBL on progress
- Coaches and mentors nurses in ongoing clinical learning, continuing education, and national certifications.
- Contributes to development of competencies with Central Nursing Professional Development
- Teaches in general orientation in area of practice expertise, as appropriate to UVA Health needs
- Maintains knowledge of high priority microsystem strategic outcomes, desired benchmarks, practice patterns, and the interdisciplinary team
- Coaches and mentors microsystem and organizational shared governance team members in all phases of the EBP process
- Directs Clin 1s to NRP projects that reflect unit strategic goals
- Mentors Clin 1s in EBP projects
- Leads or coaches others in leading a regular nursing research journal club
- Ensures that clinical improvements are correctly categorized (typically as EBP, QI, or Research), and that processes for each are followed in accordance with standards and policies of UVA Health
- Knowledgeable of quality improvement methods
- Provides direction to UBL regarding delineation of quality improvement, performance improvement, evidence-based practice and research.
- Assists UBL with identification of root causes and implementation of evidence-based and education-related solutions
- Assists performance improvement efforts in collaboration with performance improvement coaches and UBL when evidence-based practices and resources are appropriate
- In collaboration with UBL, responsible for delivery of high quality, safe patient care
- Regular participant in UVA Nursing Professional Governance at the microsystem and organizational level
- Seeks regular feedback from nurses, UBL and other clinical collaborators
- Other Duties as assigned
Education:
Master's or doctoral degree in Nursing
Experience:
2 years of experience as a registered nurse working in a relevant practice area.
Licensure: VA nursing license, CNL certification.
PHYSICAL DEMANDSJob 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 $ - $ 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. 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 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…
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).