Emergency Department Registered Nurse

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plan with employer match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Wellness incentives

Employee discounts

Job summary

UNC Health Appalachian in Boone, North Carolina is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) for the Emergency Department. This full-time role features three 12-hour shifts weekly, non-exempt status, and an every-third-weekend rotation.

Starting pay is $34.00 per hour, with education, experience, and certifications shaping final compensation. You will deliver urgent, emergent, and critical care, document in the EMR, and collaborate with a diverse team while upholding patient safety, dignity, and comfort.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• BSN preferred.
• Current RN license in North Carolina or a compact state.
• BLS certification required at time of hire.
• ACLS and PALS required within 12 months of hire.
• Previous RN experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, patient-centered emergency care.
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care in the ED.
• Administer medications and therapies per protocol.
• Collaborate with physicians and interdepartmental teams.
• Maintain EMR documentation and uphold safety standards.

Skills

Clinical judgment

Critical thinking

Effective communication

Teamwork

Patient safety

Education

BSN preferred

Accredited nursing program graduate

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Watauga Medical Center · Emergency Room Services

Clinical Nursing

Registered Nurse (RN) – Emergency Department

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Emergency Department | Full-Time | 12-Hour Shifts | Non-Exempt

Why You'll Love Working Here

As a Registered Nurse (RN) at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll do more than provide care. You'll be part of a mission-driven healthcare system committed to patient safety, teamwork, and professional growth. Working in the Emergency Department, you'll care for patients during some of their most critical moments while collaborating with an experienced team dedicated to delivering exceptional emergency care.

Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Boone, North Carolina offers the perfect blend of community, culture, and outdoor adventure.

Compensation: Starting at $34.00/hour, based on education, experience, certification, and internal equity.

Schedule: Three 12-hour shifts per week with an every-third-weekend rotation.

Applicable Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; paid parental leave; wellness incentives; and employee discounts.

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

Status: Non-Exempt

What You'll Do as a Registered Nurse

Deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to patients presenting with urgent, emergent, and critical healthcare needs.

Utilize the nursing process (assess, plan, implement, and evaluate) to guide patient care throughout the Emergency Department experience.

Monitor and respond rapidly to changes in patient condition, mobilizing appropriate resources as needed.

Safely administer medications, treatments, and therapies in accordance with established protocols.

Clinical Collaboration

Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, and interdisciplinary team members to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Communicate effectively regarding patient status, treatment plans, and changes in condition.

Participate in coordinated care planning and emergency interventions.

Patient & Family Support

Provide compassionate education, support, and communication to patients and families during critical situations.

Maintain patient dignity, safety, and comfort throughout the care experience.

Support a positive patient experience through empathy, professionalism, and service excellence.

Documentation & Professional Practice

Maintain accurate and timely documentation within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).

Adhere to nursing practice standards, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements.

Promote patient safety, quality outcomes, and continuous improvement initiatives.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications/Licenses

Education

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Experience

Previous Registered Nurse experience required.

Required Licensure & Certifications

Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in North Carolina or a compact state.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required at the time of hire.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) required within twelve (12) months of hire.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) required within twelve (12) months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking skills.

Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.

Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Commitment to patient safety, professional ethics, and patient dignity.

Ability to remain calm and focused during emergencies and rapidly changing situations.

Physical & Work Environment

Physical Demands

Lift, position, and transfer patients weighing more than 50 pounds.

Frequent standing, walking, bending, and patient movement activities.

Manual dexterity and mobility necessary to provide emergency nursing care.

Working Conditions

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and emergency situations.

Rotating schedules may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Fast-paced Emergency Department environment requiring flexibility, rapid decision-making, and sound clinical judgment.

What Sets Us Apart

Career Growth: Structured advancement pathways, tuition reimbursement, specialty certification support, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Impactful Work: Provide compassionate, high-quality care during critical moments while helping improve outcomes across the communities we serve.

Community & Lifestyle: Boone is consistently recognized as one of North Carolina's premier mountain communities, offering exceptional quality of life and year-round recreation.

Top-Tier Community: Home to Appalachian State University, Boone offers a vibrant community, excellent schools, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm.

Meaningful Benefits: Access retirement benefits with employer match, paid parental leave, wellness programs, educational assistance, employee discounts, and applicable healthcare coverage.

Inclusive Culture: We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion and are committed to providing a supportive workplace where every team member feels valued and respected.

About UNC Health Appalachian

It’s official. UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" Leapfrog Patient Safety Grade. 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 remains 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.

It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve while furthering the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated and charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognitions for quality care, patient safety, and the overall patient experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UNC Health Appalachian is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and strive to foster a workplace where every team member feels respected and valued.

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

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