Charge Nurse - Intermediate Care

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System; Boone (NC); On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established healthcare provider is seeking a Charge Nurse to lead nursing staff and ensure exceptional patient care. This role involves supervising a team, fostering a patient-centered environment, and collaborating with various healthcare professionals. The ideal candidate will possess strong clinical knowledge, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting. This position offers a competitive hourly wage and benefits after a short waiting period, making it a fantastic opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in patient care. Join a committed team dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of the community.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Shift Differential

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Continuing Education

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Must be a Registered Nurse with RN licensure in North Carolina.
• 2+ years of inpatient nursing experience required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise nursing staff and ensure high-quality patient care.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and respond to emergencies.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Clinical Knowledge

Decision-Making

Interpersonal Skills

Flexibility

Education

Registered Nurse (RN) licensure

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Tools

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems

Job description

Watauga Medical Center · Intermediate Care Unit

Clinical Nursing

Position Summary

The Charge Nurse, a registered nurse, plays a key leadership role in ensuring high-quality patient care during their shift. They supervise nursing staff, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and optimize unit operations. Key duties include ensuring care accountability, fostering a patient-centered environment, promoting staff development, and maintaining effective communication with patients, families, and colleagues. The Charge Nurse upholds UNC Health Appalachian’s mission and values, manages relationships within the team, responds to emergencies, and assists others as needed, all while adhering to regulatory standards and nursing best practices.

Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. Hiring compensation starts at $33.25 per hour. This position qualifies for shift differential and is benefits eligible after a 60-day waiting period.

Position Qualifications

Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the state of North Carolina.

Graduate of an accredited school/program of nursing is required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is preferred.

Experience

Minimum of two (2) years of experience in an inpatient nursing setting with demonstrated competence and leadership abilities.

Required Registration/License/Certification

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

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) issued by the American Heart Association is required one (1) year from date of hire.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) issued by the American Heart Association is required one (1) year from date of hire OR Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course (ENPC) will also be accepted.

National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification is required one (1) year from date of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong clinical knowledge and proficiency in nursing practices and procedures.

Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to prioritize and make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Proficiency in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other relevant healthcare technology.

Commitment to providing patient-centered care and promoting a culture of safety.

Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays, as per unit needs.

Physical Demands

Lifting and Moving: Ability to lift and carry up to and greater than 50 pounds for patient transfers and equipment handling.

Standing and Walking: Capacity to stand and walk for extended periods during patient care activities.

Manual Dexterity: Precise fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for performing delicate tasks like injections and wound care.

Physical Stamina: Endurance to sustain focus and provide consistent care throughout long shifts.

Bending, Stooping, and Reaching: Flexibility and agility for accessing supplies and assisting patients.

Physical Endurance: Ability to handle physically demanding situations and emergencies.

Visual and Auditory Acuity: Adequate vision (ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less) and hearing for accurate patient assessment and response to alarms.

Emotional Resilience: Capacity to manage stress, handle challenging patient situations, and maintain empathy.

Working Conditions

• Regularly exposed to the risk of blood-borne diseases.
• Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals and specimens, and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergency situations.
• Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than 8 hours per shift.
• Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day.
• Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces >1 hour per day.
• Frequently mobilizes patients > 4 hours per day.
• Frequently per shift: lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 50 lbs.
• Frequently per hour: bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches.
• Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity.
• Frequently per hour, exposed to soft voices > 3 ft. away.
• Frequently per hour, exposed to close eye work.
• Infrequently per shift, may be exposed to ionizing/non-ionizing radiation exposure including x-ray and microwave.

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].