Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN)

UNC Health Appalachian; North Carolina; On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

HSA option

403(b) match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Certification bonuses

Paid parental leave

Wellness program

Job summary

UNC Health Appalachian is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) for Inpatient Behavioral Health. You will provide safe, compassionate nursing care, use the nursing process, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes.

Responsibilities include effective communication with patients and families, responding to emergencies, and promoting a respectful work environment.Requires NC RN licensure, BLS, CPI training; experience in psychiatry preferred.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Current RN licensure in North Carolina.
• BLS from the American Heart Association required at time of hire; CPI training/certification required.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, effective nursing care under general supervision.
• Apply the nursing process to deliver patient care.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to optimize outcomes.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and care teams.
• Respond promptly to changes in patient condition and emergencies.
• Delegate tasks and support team members within scope.
• Promote a positive, respectful work environment aligned with values.

Skills

Nursing care

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Communication skills

BLS certified

CPI training

Education

Bachelor's in Nursing

RN licensure in NC

Tools

EHR systems

CPR/AED

Job description

Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health · IP Behavioral Health

Clinical Nursing

Registered Nurse (RN) – Inpatient Behavioral Health

Hiring Incentive: $10,000

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As a Registered Nurse (RN) in Inpatient Behavioral Health at UNC Health Appalachian, you’ll play an essential role in providing compassionate, patient-centered care that supports the physical, psychosocial, and restorative needs of each individual. You’ll work alongside a collaborative care team in a mission-driven environment focused on safety, quality, and exceptional patient outcomes.

This is an opportunity to build your nursing career while working alongside dedicated healthcare professionals in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Compensation: Starting at $34.00 /hour, based on education and experience

Schedule: Full-time; Nights Vary; 6:45pm- 7:15am

Benefits: Applicable benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; HSA option; supplemental insurance options; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement/certification bonuses; paid parental leave; wellness incentives; may be eligible for childcare assistance; and employee discounts

Benefits Eligibility: Applicable benefits will begin on the first of the month following 60 days of employment.

What You’ll Do as a Registered Nurse (RN) – Inpatient Behavioral Health

• Provide safe, effective, and ethical nursing care under general supervision
• Use the nursing process (assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation) to deliver patient care
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate and optimize patient outcomes
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and care teams
• Respond promptly to changes in patient condition and emergency situations
• Delegate tasks appropriately and support team members within scope of practice
• Promote a positive, respectful, and supportive work environment aligned with organizational values

Qualifications/Licenses

• Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing program
• Licensure: Current RN licensure in the State of North Carolina
• Certification:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at time of hire
  • Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training and certification required (completed during orientation)
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Psychiatric nursing experience
  • Prior acute care or clinic experience

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Sound clinical judgment and ability to deliver care within scope of practice
• Knowledge of the continuum of nursing care
• Commitment to teamwork and exceptional patient experience

Physical & Work Environment

• Continuous standing and walking for 8+ hours per shift
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of 50+ lbs
• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, and reaching
• Continuous hand, finger, and wrist dexterity with close visual attention
• Frequent patient mobilization (more than 4 hours per day)
• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens
• Exposure to clinical hazards, including equipment, chemicals, and patient care environments
• Irregular hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and call rotations

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Advance your nursing career with tuition reimbursement, certification bonuses, and ongoing professional development.
• Impactful Work: Deliver high-quality, relationship-based care that improves patients’ lives as part of a collaborative, mission-driven care team.
• Community & Lifestyle: Located in Linville, North Carolina, UNC Health Appalachian offers the opportunity to live and work in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with access to hiking, skiing, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and year-round outdoor recreation.
• Meaningful Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive insurance coverage, retirement benefits with employer match, paid time off, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and college savings resources, an award-winning wellness program, employee-to-employee financial assistance, and discounts to attractions such as Dollywood and Tweetsie Railroad.
• Inclusive Culture: UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and is committed to creating a fair, inclusive hiring process and a workplace where every team member is respected and valued.

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact [e-mail] .