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

Position Overview:
The RN Resident provides direct and indirect patient care services to meet the psychosocial, physical, and restorative needs of patients under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse. The RN Resident contributes to compassionate, respectful care, reflecting UNC Health Appalachian’s Mission, Vision, and Values in action. This position participates in structured classes, training, and supervised precepting to build clinical skills. RN Residents are expected to demonstrate professional conduct, accountability, effective communication, and teamwork while supporting high standards for patient experience, quality, and safety.

The new graduate registered nurse residency program is designed for incoming nurses who may not feel comfortable flying solo yet, want extra support from mentors and the team, want to try out different specialties, and for those who are not sure where they want to focus yet. This program is designed to provide mentorship, skills labs, and personalized development plans. After a designated period of time, the new graduate registered nurse may do rotations to specialty areas to determine their interest(s). This role is to allow new graduate registered nurses to start their career path at UNC Health Appalachian, under supervision, to gain valuable skills and knowledge until the new graduate has taken and passed their NCLEX exam to then function more independently.

The RN Resident does not independently perform RN functions requiring licensure until successful completion of the NCLEX examination and official registration with the applicable Board of Nursing.

Compensation starts at $34.00 per hour, commensurate with education and experience. This position is eligible for shift differentials on top of base pay and benefits after 60 days of employment.

The Perks and Benefits:

· Collaborative environment: Join a supportive team of healthcare professionals committed to high-quality patient care.

· Professional development: Engage in structured learning, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.

· Impactful work: Deliver essential nursing care while developing your skills within a patient-centered environment.

· Location perks: Boone, North Carolina offers breathtaking mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, and vibrant community life.

· Top-tier community: Boone features a highly rated public school system and is home to Appalachian State University.

· Compensation: Starting at $34.00/hour with shift differentials. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment.

· Employee wellness program: Access "Love Your Life," offering wellness incentives and health screenings.

· Employee to Employee (E2E) program: Voluntary donations help support coworkers experiencing unexpected financial hardship.

· Additional perks: Discounts to attractions including Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, and more.

Key Responsibilities:

· Provide direct and indirect patient care under the supervision of a licensed RN.
· Participate in structured education, training sessions, and supervised precepting.
· Communicate effectively with patients, families, team members, and leadership.
· Assist coworkers, patients, families, and visitors within scope of practice and license.
· Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and alignment with UNC Health Appalachian’s values.
· Maintain readiness to respond to emergencies or changes in patient conditions.

Position Requirements:

Minimum Education:
· Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) required.

Experience:
· Prior healthcare experience in an acute or clinic setting is preferred.

Required Registration/License/Certification:
· Must obtain an active Registered Nurse (RN) license, validated by primary source, before performing RN functions.
· Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at time of hire.
· The following certifications are required within 1 year of hire (unless noted as preferred based on department):

• BLS, ACLS, PALS – American Heart Association

• ENPC and TNCC – Emergency Nurses Association

• NRP – American Academy of Pediatrics (Birthing Center only)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Effective, courteous communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
· Competence in delivering safe patient care within licensure limits and hospital policies.
· Strong understanding of nursing care continuum and patient-centered service.
· Ability to maintain composure and integrity in dynamic, high-stress environments.

Physical Demands:
· Ability to lift, position, push, pull, and transfer over 50 pounds.
· Manual dexterity and mobility required.
· Prolonged standing, walking, sitting, bending, squatting, twisting, and turning.
· Ability to perform repetitive hand, finger, and wrist movements.
· Visual acuity to see clearly at close distances (20 inches or less).

Working Conditions:
· Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and healthcare hazards including chemicals and equipment.
· Irregular hours including evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.
· Long periods of standing, walking, and patient mobilization exceeding 8 hours per shift.
· Exposure to vibration, cramped spaces, and potential ionizing/non-ionizing radiation (X-ray, microwave).

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.