RN New Graduate - Residency Program in Boone, North Carolina at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

RN Resident – Nurse Residency Program

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Nurse Residency Program | Non-Exempt

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As an RN Resident at UNC Health Appalachian, you’ll begin your nursing career with the support, mentorship, and hands-on experience needed to build confidence and clinical competence. Our Nurse Residency Program is designed for new graduate nurses seeking additional guidance as they transition into professional practice.

Through structured education, mentorship, skills labs, personalized development plans, and supervised clinical experiences, you'll gain valuable knowledge and experience while exploring potential specialty areas. This program provides a supportive environment where new graduate nurses can develop professionally while delivering exceptional patient care.

Compensation: Starting at $34.00 per hour, based on education, experience, and internal equity
Status: 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; Love Your Life wellness incentives; Employee-to-Employee (E2E) assistance program; and employee discounts to regional attractions. 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.

Nurse Residency Program Highlights

• Structured onboarding and transition-to-practice curriculum
• Dedicated mentorship and clinical preceptorship
• Skills labs and professional development opportunities
• Personalized development plans
• Exposure to multiple specialty areas through clinical rotations
• Supportive learning environment designed to build confidence and clinical competence
• Opportunity to launch your nursing career with UNC Health Appalachian while preparing for long-term professional success

What You’ll Do as an RN Resident Clinical Learning & Patient Care

• Provide direct and indirect patient care under the supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse.
• Assist with meeting the psychosocial, physical, and restorative needs of patients.
• Participate in patient assessments, care planning, interventions, and documentation as appropriate to role and licensure status.
• Respond appropriately to changes in patient condition and emergency situations under supervision.

Nurse Residency Program Participation

• Participate in structured education sessions, skills labs, and professional development activities.
• Complete supervised clinical preceptorship experiences designed to build nursing competence and confidence.
• Work with mentors and nursing leaders to develop individualized learning and career development plans.
• Explore specialty practice areas through designated rotations and clinical experiences.

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, leadership, and healthcare team members.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support high-quality, patient-centered care.
• Assist coworkers, patients, and visitors within the scope of practice and program expectations.

Professional Development & Accountability

• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and adherence to UNC Health Appalachian’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Follow organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and standards of behavior.
• Develop critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision-making skills through guided practice and mentorship.
• Maintain a commitment to patient safety, quality outcomes, and service excellence.

Qualifications Minimum Education

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

Experience

• Previous healthcare experience in an acute care or clinic setting preferred

Licensure & Certifications

• Must obtain an active Registered Nurse (RN) license and primary source verification before independently performing RN duties
• 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
• Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course (ENPC) and Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) required within one (1) year of hire, as applicable to department
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) required within one (1) year of hire for Birthing Center placements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with patients, families, and healthcare teams
• Ability to deliver safe patient care within licensure limitations and organizational policies
• Understanding of patient-centered care and the nursing care continuum
• Strong critical thinking, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to remain composed and professional in fast-paced clinical environments
• Commitment to learning, professional growth, and clinical excellence

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, position, push, pull, and transfer patients weighing 50+ pounds
• Manual dexterity and mobility required for patient care activities
• Prolonged standing, walking, sitting, bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching
• Frequent repetitive hand, finger, and wrist movements
• Near visual acuity for patient assessments and clinical documentation

Work Environment

• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials
• Exposure to healthcare equipment, chemicals, and clinical hazards
• Requires flexibility for days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations
• Extended standing and walking during shifts (8+ hours)
• Frequent patient handling and mobilization activities
• Occasional exposure to vibration, confined spaces, and ionizing/non-ionizing radiation, including X-ray and microwave equipment

About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, includes three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. We are committed to promoting health, enhancing quality of life, and “making life better.”

About UNC Health
UNC Health is an affiliated entity of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 campuses, and over 500 clinics. Our mission is to improve health and well-being while supporting the education of future healthcare professionals. For more information, visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status. We are committed to a fair, respectful hiring process. For accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

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

For accommodations or additional information, contact recruitment@apprhs.org.