Operating Room Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse (RN) – Operating Room

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Operating Room | Non-Exempt

Why You'll Love Working Here

As an Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN) at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll provide specialized surgical nursing care in a highly collaborative perioperative environment. You'll play a vital role in ensuring patient safety and supporting successful surgical outcomes while working alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and multidisciplinary teams.

This position is ideal for nurses who thrive in fast-paced clinical settings, remain calm under pressure, and are passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in the operating room.

Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone, North Carolina offers exceptional outdoor recreation, vibrant community living, and outstanding quality of life.

• Compensation: Starting at $34.00/hour and is commensurate with education, experience, certification, and internal equity.

• Schedule: Monday - Thursday, Some on-call required; 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

• Applicable 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 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 an Operating Room RN

Surgical Patient Care

• Provide direct and indirect patient care that meets the psychosocial, physical, and restorative needs of surgical patients.

• Deliver specialized nursing care in the operating room under sterile conditions.

• Monitor patient condition throughout procedures and communicate changes to physicians and anesthesiologists.

• Ensure patient safety by maintaining accurate counts of instruments, sponges, and surgical supplies.

Clinical Collaboration

• Work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff to support surgical procedures.

• Apply evidence-based practice to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

• Maintain accurate documentation and communication with interdisciplinary teams.

Professional Practice & Safety

• Follow organizational policies, regulatory standards, and the Nurse Practice Act.

• Promote a patient-centered environment focused on safety, quality, and service excellence.

• Respond promptly and effectively to changes in patient condition or emergency situations.

• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and accountability in all aspects of care delivery.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications/Licenses

Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing required.

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required.

Experience

• Previous experience as a Registered Nurse preferred but not required.

• Prior healthcare experience in an acute or clinical setting preferred.

• One (1) year of experience in a similar role preferred.

Required Licensure & Certifications

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of North Carolina.

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

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) from the American Heart Association required within one (1) year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, staff, and physicians.

• Competence in delivering safe and effective nursing care within licensure and regulatory guidelines.

• Knowledge of perioperative nursing care and patient safety standards.

• Ability to work within the chain of command using effective verbal and non-verbal communication.

• Strong commitment to patient-centered care and service excellence.

Physical & Work Environment

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift, position, push, pull, and/or transfer patients weighing 50+ pounds.

• Manual dexterity and mobility for clinical procedures.

• Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking during surgical procedures.

• Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching.

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

Working Conditions

• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials.

• Exposure to mechanical and electrical equipment and surgical instruments.

• Exposure to chemicals, specimens, and environmental hazards.

• Irregular hours including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.

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

• Occasional exposure to radiation including X-ray and related imaging equipment.

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Access professional development resources, tuition reimbursement, continuing education opportunities, and clinical career advancement pathways.

• Impactful Work: Play a critical role in ensuring patient safety and successful surgical outcomes while contributing to exceptional perioperative care.

• Community & Lifestyle: Enjoy life in Boone, North Carolina, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, fishing, biking, and outdoor recreation.

• Top-Tier Community: Boone is consistently recognized as one of North Carolina's most desirable places to live and is home to Appalachian State University.

• Meaningful Benefits: Take advantage of wellness resources, retirement benefits, tuition assistance, employee support programs, and applicable healthcare coverage.

• Inclusive Culture: Work alongside highly skilled surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and perioperative professionals in a collaborative environment that values every team member.

Ready to Make a Difference in Surgical Patient Care?

Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian as an Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN) and help deliver exceptional surgical care and positive patient outcomes throughout the High Country.

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian is a premier healthcare provider in the High Country, operating three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation.

We are committed to improving the health and quality of life for residents of the region while fulfilling our mission of "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.

UNC Health exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve while supporting 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.

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.