Inpatient Orthopedics Registered Nurse in Boone, North Carolina at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Inpatient Orthopedics Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse (RN) – Inpatient Orthopedics

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Inpatient Orthopedics | Full-Time | 12-Hour Shifts | Non-Exempt

Why You'll Love Working Here

As a Registered Nurse (RN) at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll do more than provide care. You'll be part of a mission-driven health system committed to patient safety, teamwork, and professional growth. Working on our Inpatient Orthopedics Unit, you'll care for patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries, fractures, joint replacements, trauma-related injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions while collaborating with an experienced interdisciplinary team dedicated to exceptional patient outcomes.

Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Boone, North Carolina offers the perfect blend of community, culture, and outdoor adventure.

• Compensation: Starting at $34.00/hour, based on education, experience, certification, and internal equity.

• Schedule: Three 12-hour shifts per week with an every-third-weekend rotation.

• Applicable Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; paid parental leave; wellness incentives; and employee discounts.

• Benefits Eligibility: Applicable benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.

• Status: Non-Exempt

What You'll Do as a Registered Nurse

Orthopedic Patient Care

• Deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to orthopedic patients recovering from surgery, injury, or acute musculoskeletal conditions.

• Utilize the nursing process (assess, plan, implement, and evaluate) to guide patient care from admission through discharge.

• Monitor and respond quickly to changes in patient condition, coordinating appropriate interventions as needed.

• Safely administer medications, treatments, blood products, and therapies in accordance with established protocols.

• Assess pain levels and implement effective pain management strategies to promote patient comfort and recovery.

Clinical Collaboration

• Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, therapists, case managers, and interdisciplinary team members to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

• Support coordinated discharge planning and transitions of care.

• Communicate patient progress and changes in condition to the healthcare team.

Patient & Family Education

• Educate patients and families on recovery expectations, mobility, medications, wound care, activity restrictions, and discharge instructions.

• Encourage patient participation in rehabilitation and recovery goals.

• Provide compassionate support throughout the hospitalization process.

Documentation & Professional Practice

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).

• Adhere to nursing practice standards, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements.

• Support patient safety, quality improvement, and evidence-based nursing practice initiatives.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications/Licenses

Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Experience

• Previous Registered Nurse experience required.

• Orthopedic, medical-surgical, surgical, or acute care experience preferred.

Required Licensure & Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in North Carolina or a compact state.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required at hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong clinical judgment and critical-thinking skills.

• Ability to assess and care for postoperative and orthopedic patients.

• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

• Commitment to patient safety, professional ethics, and patient dignity.

• Ability to prioritize multiple patient care needs in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and clinical documentation systems.

Physical & Work Environment

Physical Demands

• Lift, position, and transfer patients weighing more than 50 pounds.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and patient mobility assistance.

• Manual dexterity and mobility required for direct patient care activities.

• Ability to assist with patient transfers, ambulation, and mobility support.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and healthcare-related hazards.

• Rotating schedules may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Fast-paced inpatient environment requiring flexibility, critical thinking, and excellent communication skills.

• Frequent interaction with patients, families, providers, therapists, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Structured advancement pathways, tuition reimbursement, specialty certification support, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

• Impactful Work: Help patients regain mobility, independence, and quality of life following orthopedic surgeries and injuries.

• Community & Lifestyle: Boone is consistently recognized as one of North Carolina's premier mountain communities, offering exceptional quality of life and year-round recreation.

• Top-Tier Community: Home to Appalachian State University, Boone offers a vibrant community, excellent schools, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm.

• Meaningful Benefits: Enjoy retirement benefits with employer match, paid parental leave, wellness programs, educational assistance, employee discounts, and comprehensive healthcare coverage.

• Inclusive Culture: We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion and are committed to providing a supportive workplace where every team member feels valued and respected.

Ready to Make a Difference in Orthopedic Patient Care?

Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian as a Registered Nurse (RN) – Inpatient Orthopedics and help patients recover, heal, and return to the activities that matter most to them.

About UNC Health Appalachian

It's official. UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" Leapfrog Patient Safety Grade. UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation.

UNC Health Appalachian remains 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.

It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve while furthering the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated and charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognitions for quality care, patient safety, and the overall patient experience.

For more information, visit unchealth.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UNC Health Appalachian is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and strive to foster a workplace where every team member feels respected and valued.

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

For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.