Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Med Surg

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vis

Tuition reimbursement

Career Pathways Program

Retirement plan with employer match

Paid time off

Wellness incentives

E2E support program

Employee discounts

Job summary

UNC Health Appalachian in Boone, North Carolina is seeking a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to support patient care under licensed nurses and deliver compassionate, hands-on assistance.

Starting pay is $17.87 per hour with shift differentials, for a full-time, non-exempt schedule. Requires NC CNA licensure and BLS; benefits include medical/dental/vision, retirement with match, PTO, tuition reimbursement, and career growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Successful completion of an accredited CNA program licensed in North Carolina.
• Active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in NC and BLS required at hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on patient care under licensed nurses.
• Record and report vital signs and accurate patient information.
• Assist with activities of daily living and personal care.
• Reinforce patient and family education as directed.
• Collaborate with healthcare team to ensure safety and quality care.

Skills

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Patient care

Education

High School Diploma

CNA program licensed in NC

Tools

EMR systems

BLS Certification

Job description

Watauga Medical Center · Medical Surgical

Clinical Service

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Inpatient Setting | Non-Exempt

Why You'll Love Working Here

As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll play an essential role in supporting patient care and comfort. Working under the direction of licensed nurses, you'll provide hands‑on assistance that directly impacts patient experience, safety, and overall well-being.

This position is ideal for someone who is compassionate, dependable, and committed to delivering respectful, patient‑centered care in a collaborative healthcare environment.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone, North Carolina offers exceptional outdoor recreation, vibrant community living, and outstanding quality of life.

Compensation: Starting at $17.87/hour, based on education and experience.

Shift Differentials: Available in addition to base pay.

Schedule:7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Nights and Weekends, Varying Shifts

Applicable Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; Career Pathways Program; wellness incentives through the Love Your Life program; Employee‑to‑Employee (E2E) support program; and additional employee discounts.

Benefits Eligibility: Applicable benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.

What You'll Do as a Certified Nursing Assistant

Patient Care & Clinical Support

Assist licensed nursing staff by preparing patients, equipment, and supplies for procedures.

Obtain, record, and report accurate patient information, including vital signs.

Provide personal care including feeding, bathing, shaving, dressing, repositioning, and bed‑making.

Reinforce patient and family education as directed by nursing staff or physicians.

Monitor patient conditions and promptly report changes to licensed staff.

Collaboration & Professional Practice

Maintain compliance with organizational standards and CNA scope of practice.

Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients, families, and healthcare team members.

Support a safe, compassionate, and patient‑centered environment.

Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and integrity in high‑stress situations.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications/Licenses

Education

High School Diploma required.

Successful completion of an accredited CNA program licensed in North Carolina.

Experience

Previous CNA experience preferred but not required.

Required Licensure & Certifications

Active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in the State of North Carolina.

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

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of CNA scope of practice and patient care procedures.

Effective and courteous communication skills.

Ability to work collaboratively within the healthcare team.

Strong customer service mindset and commitment to patient dignity.

Conflict resolution skills and emotional resilience.

Proficiency with basic computer systems and Electronic Medical Records (EMR).

Physical & Work Environment

Physical Demands

Ability to lift, position, push, pull, and transfer patients or equipment weighing 50+ pounds.

Manual dexterity and mobility required for hands‑on patient care.

Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking.

Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and turning.

Near visual acuity for detailed patient care tasks.

Working Conditions

Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials.

Frequent exposure to electrical/mechanical equipment and environmental hazards.

Requires flexibility for irregular hours including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Physical stamina for long shifts and frequent patient mobilization.

Exposure to repetitive motion tasks and occasional confined spaces.

What Sets Us Apart

Career Growth: Advance your career through tuition reimbursement, continuing education opportunities, and the Career Pathways Program.

Impactful Work: Make a direct difference in the lives of patients by providing compassionate, hands‑on care and supporting positive clinical outcomes.

Community & Lifestyle: Enjoy mountain living in Boone, North Carolina, with access to hiking, skiing, local arts, dining, and year‑round outdoor recreation.

Top‑Tier Community: Boone is consistently recognized as one of North Carolina's premier mountain destinations and is home to Appalachian State University.

Meaningful Benefits: Access wellness programs, professional development opportunities, employee assistance resources, retirement benefits, and applicable healthcare coverage for eligible positions.

Inclusive Culture: UNC Health Appalachian is committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Ready to Make a Difference in Patient Care?

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation.

UNC Health Appalachian is dedicated 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 affiliate of the University of North Carolina system, with 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and more than 500 clinics, along with the UNC School of Medicine's clinical programs.

UNC Health is committed to improving the health of North Carolinians and supporting the University's teaching mission. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated and charity care.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UNC Health Appalachian values diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to a fair, respectful hiring process. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

For accommodations or additional information, contact [e-mail].