Staff Ready Registered Nurse (RN)

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Full-Time | Staff Ready Pool | Non-Exempt

Why You'll Love Working Here

As a Staff Ready Registered Nurse (RN) at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll enjoy the flexibility and variety of working across multiple clinical areas while delivering exceptional patient care. Staff Ready nurses are highly skilled clinicians who are cross-trained to support multiple units throughout the organization, helping ensure safe staffing and continuity of care across the health system.

This position offers premium compensation in recognition of the flexibility, adaptability, and broad clinical expertise required. Nurses trained to work in three or more specialty areas are eligible for the highest compensation levels, with training assignments determined collaboratively between the employee and department leadership.

At UNC Health Appalachian, you'll join a team committed to clinical excellence, patient safety, and compassionate care while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with education, experience, certifications, and internal equity. Staff Ready nurses are eligible for premium pay based on flexibility and cross-training.

Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; Career Pathways Program; paid parental leave; Employee Wellness Program ("Love Your Life"); Employee-to-Employee (E2E) assistance program; and employee discounts to regional attractions.

Boone, North Carolina offers the perfect blend of mountain living and modern amenities, with year-round outdoor recreation, vibrant local culture, top-rated schools, and Appalachian State University.

What You'll Do as a Staff Ready Registered Nurse

Patient Care

• Provide direct and indirect patient care services to meet the psychosocial, physical, and restorative needs of patients.

• Assess, monitor, and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition.

• Develop and implement individualized plans of care in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

• Administer medications, treatments, and interventions in accordance with physician orders and organizational policies.

• Deliver care that promotes patient safety, quality outcomes, and an exceptional patient experience.

Clinical Excellence

• Practice within the North Carolina Nurse Practice Act and the scope of RN licensure.

• Maintain competency across multiple clinical specialties and departments.

• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability when floating to assigned patient care areas.

• Utilize evidence-based practices to support optimal patient outcomes.

• Respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and critical situations.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, families, physicians, leadership, and colleagues.

• Foster positive working relationships that contribute to a healthy work environment.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to coordinate and deliver comprehensive patient care.

• Assist coworkers, patients, and visitors as needed within the scope of practice.

Professional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and personal responsibility in daily practice.

• Adhere to UNC Health Appalachian's Mission, Vision, Values, policies, procedures, and standards of behavior.

• Participate in ongoing education and competency validation activities.

• Maintain all required certifications and licensure requirements.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Experience

• Previous experience as a Registered Nurse is preferred but not required.

• Previous healthcare experience in an acute care or clinic setting is preferred.

• Two years of experience in a similar role with comparable responsibilities is required.

Licensure & Certifications

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of North Carolina.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at the time of hire.

• The following certifications are required within one (1) year of hire:

  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – American Heart Association

  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – American Heart Association

  • Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course (ENPC) – Emergency Nurses Association

  • Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) – Emergency Nurses Association

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with patients, families, staff, physicians, and the public.

• Competency in delivering safe and effective patient care within legal and organizational guidelines.

• Knowledge of the continuum of nursing care across multiple patient populations.

• Strong critical thinking, prioritization, and clinical decision-making skills.

• Ability to adapt quickly to varying clinical environments and patient care needs.

• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service and patient-centered care.

• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, position, push, pull, and transfer patients and equipment weighing greater than 50 pounds.

• Manual dexterity and mobility required.

• Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking throughout the shift.

• Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, turning, kneeling, and reaching.

• Ability to perform repetitive hand, finger, and wrist movements.

• Near visual acuity with the ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less.

• Ability to speak, read, and write for extended periods throughout the workday.

Work Environment

• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases.

• Frequent exposure to electrical and mechanical equipment, chemicals, specimens, and other healthcare-related hazards.

• Subject to irregular work hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.

• Continuous standing and walking for periods greater than eight (8) hours per shift.

• Frequent patient mobilization activities exceeding four (4) hours per shift.

• Exposure to vibration and cramped spaces during routine job duties.

• Frequent close eye work and communication in busy clinical environments.

• Occasional exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, including X-ray and microwave equipment.

About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian is a premier healthcare provider in the High Country, operating three hospitals and a variety of medical services. We are committed to improving the health and quality of life for residents of the region.

About UNC Health
As part of the University of North Carolina system, UNC Health includes 14 hospitals and over 500 clinics, dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of North Carolinians.

Diversity and Inclusion
UNC Health Appalachian is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Employment is contingent upon successful background checks and drug screening. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.

Location: UNC Health Appalachian · Staff Ready Clinical
Schedule: Full-time, Nights & Weekends, 7pm-7am