Charge Nurse - PACU at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System – Boone, North Carolina

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Non-Exempt

As a Charge Nurse at UNC Health Appalachian, you’ll step into a pivotal leadership role, guiding nursing staff and ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care throughout your assigned shift. You’ll collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams and clinical leadership to maintain operational excellence, elevate patient outcomes, and foster a professional and supportive work environment.

This role is ideal for an experienced RN who combines strong clinical judgment with confident leadership, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is passionate about mentoring staff while delivering exceptional patient care.

Compensation: Starting at $36.38 per hour or more, based on education, experience, certification, and internal equity
Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; wellness incentives; employee discounts; and additional employee support programs. Benefits begin following a 60-day waiting period from new hire orientation.

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone, North Carolina offers year-round outdoor recreation, vibrant community living, and an exceptional quality of life.

• Lead and coordinate patient care delivery during assigned shifts.

• Supervise and support nursing staff to ensure safe, efficient operations.

• Utilize the nursing process to promote seamless patient progression and quality outcomes.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to optimize care coordination.

• Maintain regular communication with the Clinical Operations Manager.

• Ensure accountability for service excellence, patient experience, and safety standards.

• Provide direct and indirect patient care meeting psychosocial, physical, and restorative needs.

• Demonstrate sound clinical judgment in rapidly changing patient situations.

• Support complex clinical decision-making and emergency response.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).

• Promote staff development, mentorship, and professional growth.

• Foster a collaborative, patient-centered work environment.

• Encourage accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Model professionalism and ethical nursing practice.

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the State of North Carolina required

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred

• Minimum of two (2) years of inpatient nursing experience required

• Demonstrated leadership ability and clinical competence required

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

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) required within one (1) year of hire

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) required within one (1) year of hire

• Strong clinical expertise in nursing practices and procedures

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

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

• Proficiency with electronic medical record (EMR) systems and healthcare technology

• Commitment to patient-centered care and a culture of safety

• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays

• Ability to lift, position, and transfer patients weighing 50+ pounds

• Prolonged standing and walking during patient care activities

• Manual dexterity for precise clinical procedures

• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and assisting with patient mobility

• Physical stamina and endurance to perform throughout extended shifts

• Adequate visual and auditory acuity for patient monitoring and alarm response

• Emotional resilience to manage high-stress clinical situations

• Fast-paced inpatient healthcare setting

• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and clinical hazards

• Participation in emergency response situations

• Requires flexibility for days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays

• Collaborative multidisciplinary team environment

About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! We are the leading healthcare provider in the High Country, comprising three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and the Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. We are dedicated to enhancing health and quality of life in the High Country while making life better for our patients.

About UNC Health
UNC Health is an enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, consisting of 14 hospitals, 18 campuses, and over 500 clinics. We aim to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and advance the mission of the UNC School of Medicine. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated care. Our hospitals have received recognition for quality care, safety, and overall patient experience. Visit unchealth.org for more details.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and values a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Our hiring process is inclusive, and we provide accommodations as needed. Employment is contingent upon background and drug screen completion. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.