Intensive Care Registered Nurse in Boone, North Carolina at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Intensive Care Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse (RN) – Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Intensive Care Unit (ICU) | 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 health system committed to patient safety, teamwork, and professional growth. Working in our Intensive Care Unit (ICU), you'll care for critically ill patients requiring advanced monitoring, complex interventions, and rapid clinical decision-making while collaborating with an experienced interdisciplinary team dedicated to exceptional patient outcomes.

This role is ideal for nurses who thrive in a high-acuity environment and are passionate about delivering compassionate, evidence-based care during some of patients' most critical healthcare experiences.

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

• Compensation: Starts at $34.00/hour, based on experience, education, 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; wellness incentives; employee support programs; and professional development opportunities.

• 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

Critical Care Nursing

• Deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to critically ill and medically complex patients.

• Utilize the nursing process (assess, plan, implement, evaluate) to guide care from admission through discharge.

• Monitor and respond rapidly to changes in patient condition, initiating interventions and mobilizing resources as needed.

• Safely administer medications, treatments, infusions, and therapies according to established protocols and provider orders.

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and develop individualized plans of care.

Clinical Collaboration

• Partner with physicians, advanced practice providers, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, case managers, and interdisciplinary teams to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

• Communicate patient progress, treatment plans, and changes in condition effectively.

• Participate in care planning and support continuity of care across the patient journey.

Patient & Family Support

• Provide compassionate education and support to patients and families during critical healthcare experiences.

• Promote patient dignity, comfort, and safety throughout hospitalization.

• Serve as a patient advocate while supporting informed decision-making and family engagement.

Documentation & Professional Practice

• Document accurately and timely within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).

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

• Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

• Maintain clinical competency through continuing education and professional development.

What We're Looking For

Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Experience

• Previous Registered Nurse experience required.

• Critical care, ICU, progressive care, emergency department, or acute care experience preferred.

Required Licensure & Certifications

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

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required at hire.

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required within 12 months of hire.

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) required within 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, ethics, and patient dignity.

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

• Proficiency with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and clinical documentation systems.

Physical & Work Environment

Physical Demands

• Lift, position, or transfer patients weighing greater than 50 pounds.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and patient mobility activities.

• Manual dexterity and mobility necessary to provide direct patient care.

• Ability to perform patient care activities for prolonged periods throughout the shift.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and emergency situations.

• Rotating shifts may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Fast-paced ICU environment requiring flexibility, rapid decision-making, and advanced clinical judgment.

• Frequent interaction with patients, families, providers, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

What Sets Us Apart

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

• Impactful Work: As a Registered Nurse at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll provide compassionate, high-quality care across three community hospitals, 13 medical practices, and specialty centers including the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center and The Rehabilitation Center.

• Community & Lifestyle: Boone is ranked among the best small towns in America and offers exceptional outdoor recreation, arts, dining, and mountain living.

• Inclusive Culture: We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion and provide a supportive workplace where every team member can thrive.

Ready to Build Your Nursing Career in a Place Where Compassion Meets Excellence?

Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian as a Registered Nurse (RN) – Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and make a lasting impact on patients, families, and the community we proudly serve.

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 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 to the citizens of North Carolina.

For more information, visit unchealth.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UNC Health Appalachian is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to maintaining a fair and respectful hiring process.

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

For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.