Ortho Tech at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System – Boone, North Carolina

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Inpatient Setting | Non-Exempt

As an Ortho Tech at UNC Health Appalachian, you’ll support orthopedic patient care while working alongside a collaborative, patient-centered healthcare team. Under the direction of licensed nursing staff, you’ll assist in delivering safe, high-quality care while maintaining a clean and organized clinical environment.

This role is ideal for someone with a healthcare background who is compassionate, detail-oriented, and committed to maintaining safety, professionalism, and excellence in patient care.

Compensation: Starting at $17.87 per hour or more, based on education, experience, certification, and internal equity
Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; HSA; supplemental insurance options; student loan refinancing; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid time off (front-loaded for qualifying employees); paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; Career Pathways Program; 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 year-round outdoor recreation, vibrant dining and shopping, excellent schools, and the energy of Appalachian State University.

• Assist licensed nursing staff in delivering patient care within the scope of training and certification.

• Support orthopedic patient needs while ensuring comfort, safety, and dignity.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe patient care environment.

• Document and communicate patient information accurately and effectively.

• Demonstrate compassion and respect for the individuality and dignity of each patient.

• Follow departmental policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

• Collaborate with nurses, physicians, leadership, and volunteers to promote a healthy work environment.

• Contribute to patient safety initiatives and quality care outcomes.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required

• Previous healthcare experience preferred

• Current certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) required

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

• Knowledge of and ability to work within the Ortho Tech scope of practice

• Effective and courteous communication skills

• Competency in delivering safe and effective patient care within certification limits

• Understanding of the continuum of care in an inpatient setting

• Strong customer service mindset and commitment to patient-centered care

• Proficiency with electronic medical record (EMR) systems and basic data entry

• Ability to lift, position, and transfer patients weighing 50+ pounds

• Manual dexterity and mobility for hands-on patient care tasks

• Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and turning

• Prolonged standing, walking, or sitting as required

• Near visual acuity for detailed tasks (20 inches or less)

• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials

• Frequent exposure to electrical/mechanical equipment and environmental hazards

• Requires flexibility for days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies

• Extended standing and walking (8+ hours per shift)

• Occasional prolonged sitting (4+ hours)

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.