New Graduate RN - Trauma Surgery/Progressive Care - Rotating

About the role

The Surgery Trauma Progressive Care unit is the primary unit for trauma patients at VCU and the only Level I Trauma Center in the Richmond area certified by the American College of Surgeons. Patients sustain complex traumatic injuries such as gunshot wounds, motor vehicle accidents, falls, and assaults. Experienced and new graduate RNs are encouraged to apply to this fast‑paced, high‑acuity unit. The unit offers extra training in the care of complex trauma patients, including chest tubes, tracheostomies, multiple drains, and complex wound care. Additional positions are being added to increase progressive care bed capacity.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and accurately document direct, age‑specific care to patients or groups based on medical orders and an integrated, multidisciplinary plan of care.
• Safely administer prescribed medications, identifying incompatibilities and/or interactions.
• Assist the health care team with prevention of illness and injury, maintenance of wellness, and provision of comfort.
• Recognize changes in patient situations and intervene appropriately.
• Mobilize resources to meet the individualized needs of patients and families.
• Provide direction, education, and begin to acquire or assume leadership skills at the unit level.
• Organize work and delegate/supervise others (RNs, LPNs, care partners, unit secretaries, etc.) in carrying out assignments.

Requirements

• Current RN licensure in Virginia or eligibility through a compact state.
• Current RN licensure in Virginia for continued employment.
• AHA BLS HCP Certification or equivalent.
• Experience required:
  • Clinical Nurse I: None (N/A).
  • Clinical Nurse II: 12–24 months RN experience.
  • Clinical Nurse III: 3 years of clinical experience.
• Education/training required:
  • Diploma or Associate’s Degree from a professional nursing program recognized/approved by the corresponding state’s Board of Nursing.
  • RNs without a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (or higher) must enroll in an approved RN‑to‑BSN program within two years of start date and complete it within five years, unless grandfathered.

Qualifications

• Experience preferred:
  • Clinical Nurse I: Experience as an LPN, nursing assistant, or care partner in an acute care setting or applicable area of practice.
  • Clinical Nurse II & III: Academic health‑care experience; experience with similar patient populations in an acute care setting or applicable area of practice.
• Education/training preferred:
  • Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (or higher) from an accredited program (for Clin I, II, III).
  • Clinical Nurse III: Certification in a specialty area.

Skills

• Follow documented physician/licensed independent provider orders.
• Practice within Virginia nursing regulations and the ANA Code of Ethics.
• Adhere to VCUHS policies, procedures, and established practice standards.
• Strong recall, reasoning, problem‑solving, and logical thinking.
• Effective communication: hear, speak clearly, write legibly, read.
• Physical abilities: lift 20‑50 lbs, prolonged standing/sitting, frequent bending, walking, climbing, reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive).
• Tolerance for exposure to hazardous/infectious substances.
• Emotional resilience: handle fast‑paced environment, multiple priorities, frequent/intense customer interactions, noisy settings.