Operating Room Registered Nurse at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System – Boone, North Carolina

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Operating Room | Non-Exempt

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.

Compensation: Starts at $34.00 per hour and is commensurate with 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; and additional employee support programs. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing required

• Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) required

• 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

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

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

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

• 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

• 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)

• 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

About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian is a premier healthcare provider in the High Country, operating three hospitals and a variety of medical services. We are committed to improving the health and quality of life for residents of the region.

About UNC Health
As part of the University of North Carolina system, UNC Health includes 14 hospitals and over 500 clinics, dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of North Carolinians.

Diversity and Inclusion
UNC Health Appalachian is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Employment is contingent upon successful background checks and drug screening. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.