Cardiac Rehab Registered Nurse at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System – Boone, North Carolina

Registered Nurse (RN) – Cardiac Rehabilitation

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Cardiac Rehab | Non-Exempt

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As a Cardiac Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (RN) at UNC Health Appalachian, you will play a vital role in helping patients recover from and manage cardiovascular disease. You’ll guide patients toward heart-healthy lifestyles while partnering with providers to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care.

This role blends clinical care, education, and case management, allowing you to build meaningful relationships with patients while supporting long-term health outcomes and reducing future cardiac risk.

Status: Non-Exempt

Compensation: Starts at $30.50/hour, based on education, experience, certification, and internal equity.
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 heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone, North Carolina offers exceptional outdoor recreation, vibrant community living, and outstanding quality of life.

What You’ll Do as a Cardiac Rehab RN Patient Care & Rehabilitation

• Provide direct and indirect care to cardiac patients recovering from or managing cardiovascular disease.
• Guide patients in adopting heart-healthy lifestyle changes to reduce future risk.
• Monitor patient progress and respond to changes in condition during rehabilitation.

Care Coordination & Case Management

• Partner with primary care providers as a case manager to coordinate ongoing care.
• Facilitate follow-up care through office visits, phone communication, and patient outreach.
• Serve as a liaison between patients and physicians to ensure continuity of care.

Patient Education & Support

• Educate patients and families on cardiac health, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement throughout the recovery process.
• Promote patient engagement and adherence to care plans.

Clinical Collaboration & Safety

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
• Maintain compliance with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and nursing standards.
• Respond promptly to emergencies or changes in patient condition.
• Promote a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.

Qualifications Minimum Education

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience caring for cardiac patients required
• Previous experience in a similar role preferred

Licensure & Certifications

• Current 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 Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required within one (1) year of hire

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication skills with ability to engage patients, families, and care teams
• Competency in delivering safe and effective cardiac nursing care
• Knowledge of the continuum of cardiac care and rehabilitation practices
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a clinical setting
• Strong commitment to patient-centered care and service excellence

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, position, push, pull, and transfer patients weighing 50+ pounds
• Manual dexterity and mobility for clinical tasks
• Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking during patient care
• Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching
• Near visual acuity for detailed clinical tasks

Work Environment

• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and clinical environments
• Exposure to medical equipment, chemicals, and environmental hazards
• Requires flexibility for days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations
• Extended standing and walking during shifts (8+ hours)
• Frequent patient interaction, documentation, and repetitive hand movements
• Occasional exposure to radiation in clinical settings

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.