Assistant Nurse Manager - Surgical Services at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System – Boone, North Carolina

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Surgical Services | Full-Time

As an Assistant Nurse Manager (ANM) – Surgical Services at UNC Health Appalachian, you will provide visible clinical leadership and operational oversight across the surgical continuum. This role is essential in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care while supporting staff engagement, regulatory readiness, and continuous improvement.

You’ll work closely with surgeons, anesthesia teams, and clinical staff to optimize surgical operations, enhance patient flow, and foster a collaborative, high-performing environment.

Compensation: Starts at $40.42 per hour and is commensurate with education, experience, certification, and internal equity
Status: Full-Time, Non-exempt
Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; Career Pathways Program; paid parental leave; wellness incentives; and employee assistance programs.

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

• Oversee daily surgical operations, ensuring efficient room turnover and appropriate staffing assignments.
• Coordinate with anesthesia, surgeons, and surgical teams to optimize patient flow and throughput.
• Serve as a liaison between providers and staff to address concerns and ensure timely resolution.
• Lead real-time troubleshooting for case delays, equipment issues, IT concerns, and staffing gaps.
• Monitor case utilization, add-ons, cancellations, and block time efficiency.
• Track overtime, call utilization, low census, and productivity metrics.
• Assume leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Nurse Manager.

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and support to Surgical Services staff.
• Conduct regular rounding and provide real-time feedback to reinforce best practices.
• Assist with onboarding and orientation of new team members.
• Support performance improvement initiatives in collaboration with OR, SPD, and PACU leadership.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and engagement.

• Ensure compliance with professional standards, including AORN and ASPAN guidelines.
• Serve as a clinical resource for complex or high-risk procedures.
• Participate in audits and quality assurance activities (time-outs, surgical counts, specimen handling, consent verification).
• Assist with incident reporting, root cause analysis, and regulatory survey readiness (including The Joint Commission).
• Monitor and support quality metrics and performance improvement initiatives.

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred

• Prior charge nurse or lead experience in the Operating Room and/or PACU required
• Demonstrated ability to support surgical operations and workflow management

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at time of hire
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) required within one (1) year of hire
• Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification highly preferred

• Strong leadership and team management skills in a surgical setting
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution abilities
• Knowledge of surgical workflows, regulatory standards, and patient safety practices
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care and staff development

• Ability to lift, position, push, pull, and transfer patients weighing 50+ pounds
• Prolonged standing, walking, and movement throughout surgical areas
• Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching
• Manual dexterity for clinical and operational tasks
• Near visual acuity for detailed work

• Surgical Services environment including Operating Room, PACU, and support areas
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, surgical equipment, and clinical hazards
• Fast-paced, high-acuity environment requiring real-time decision-making
• Requires flexibility for days, evenings, weekends, and on-call responsibilities
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary surgical teams and leadership

About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays 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 (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.