Operating Room Registered Nurse

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Boone (NC)

On-site

USD 44,000 - 50,000

Full time

20 hours ago
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Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance
Dental & Vision
Employer retirement match
PTO
Tuition reimbursement
Wellness programs

Job summary

UNC Health Appalachian is seeking an Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN) in Boone, North Carolina. You will provide specialized perioperative nursing care in a collaborative surgical environment, supporting patient safety and outcomes while working with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative teams.

Compensation starts at $34.00/hour with shift Monday–Thursday and on-call as needed. We require graduation from an accredited nursing program, an unrestricted NC RN license, ADN or higher,

Qualifications

  • RN license in North Carolina (unrestricted)
  • BLS certification at hire (American Heart Association)
  • ACLS certification within 1 year of hire

Responsibilities

  • Surgical patient care in the operating room meeting psychosocial, physical, and restorative needs.
  • Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff to support procedures.
  • Follow policies and promote patient safety and quality in perioperative care.

Skills

Communication
Perioperative nursing
Patient safety
Team collaboration

Education

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing

Job description

Why You'll Love Working Here

As an Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN) at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll provide specialized surgical nursing care in a highly collaborative perioperative environment. You'll play a vital role in ensuring patient safety and supporting successful surgical outcomes while working alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and multidisciplinary teams.

This position is ideal for nurses who thrive in fast-paced clinical settings, remain calm under pressure, and are passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in the operating room.

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

Compensation: Starting at $34.00/hour and is commensurate with education, experience, certification, and internal equity.

Schedule:Monday - Thursday, Some on-call required; 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

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

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 an Operating Room RN
Surgical Patient Care

Provide direct and indirect patient care that meets the psychosocial, physical, and restorative needs of surgical patients.

Deliver specialized nursing care in the operating room under sterile conditions.

Monitor patient condition throughout procedures and communicate changes to physicians and anesthesiologists.

Ensure patient safety by maintaining accurate counts of instruments, sponges, and surgical supplies.

Clinical Collaboration

Work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff to support surgical procedures.

Apply evidence-based practice to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Maintain accurate documentation and communication with interdisciplinary teams.

Professional Practice & Safety

Follow organizational policies, regulatory standards, and the Nurse Practice Act.

Promote a patient-centered environment focused on safety, quality, and service excellence.

Respond promptly and effectively to changes in patient condition or emergency situations.

Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and accountability in all aspects of care delivery.

What We're Looking For
Qualifications/Licenses
Education

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing required.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required.

Experience

Previous experience as a Registered Nurse preferred but not required.

Prior healthcare experience in an acute or clinical setting preferred.

One (1) year of experience in a similar role preferred.

Required Licensure & Certifications

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

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

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) from the American Heart Association required within one (1) year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, staff, and physicians.

Competence in delivering safe and effective nursing care within licensure and regulatory guidelines.

Knowledge of perioperative nursing care and patient safety standards.

Ability to work within the chain of command using effective verbal and non-verbal communication.

Strong commitment to patient-centered care and service excellence.

Physical & Work Environment
Physical Demands

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

Manual dexterity and mobility for clinical procedures.

Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking during surgical procedures.

Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching.

Near visual acuity for detailed clinical tasks (20 inches or less).

Working Conditions

Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials.

Exposure to mechanical and electrical equipment and surgical instruments.

Exposure to chemicals, specimens, and environmental hazards.

Irregular hours including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.

Extended standing and walking during procedures (8+ hours per shift).

Occasional exposure to radiation including X-ray and related imaging equipment.

What Sets Us Apart

Career Growth: Access professional development resources, tuition reimbursement, continuing education opportunities, and clinical career advancement pathways.

Impactful Work: Play a critical role in ensuring patient safety and successful surgical outcomes while contributing to exceptional perioperative care.

Community & Lifestyle: Enjoy life in Boone, North Carolina, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, fishing, biking, and outdoor recreation.

Top-Tier Community: Boone is consistently recognized as one of North Carolina's most desirable places to live and is home to Appalachian State University.

Meaningful Benefits: Take advantage of wellness resources, retirement benefits, tuition assistance, employee support programs, and applicable healthcare coverage.

Inclusive Culture: Work alongside highly skilled surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and perioperative professionals in a collaborative environment that values every team member.

Ready to Make a Difference in Surgical Patient Care?
About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian is a premier healthcare provider in the High Country, operating three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation.

We are committed to improving the health and quality of life for residents of the region while fulfilling our mission of "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.

UNC Health exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve while supporting 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.

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 arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.

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