Operating Room - Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered Nurse (RN) – Operating Room

Location: Linville, North Carolina | Operating Room | PRN | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM | 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 team members.

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, Linville, North Carolina offers exceptional outdoor recreation, vibrant community living, and outstanding quality of life.

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

• Schedule: PRN | 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.

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 support 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 care 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) through the American Heart Association required at hire.

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) through 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 necessary for clinical procedures.

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

• Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching.

• Near visual acuity required 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

• Specialized Nursing Practice: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic perioperative environment while contributing to exceptional surgical outcomes.

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

• Impactful Work: Help ensure safe, effective surgical care and positive patient outcomes throughout the High Country.

• Community & Lifestyle: Experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with world-class hiking, skiing, fishing, and outdoor recreation just minutes away.

• Meaningful Benefits: UNC Health Appalachian supports team members through competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, wellness programs, and comprehensive benefits for eligible positions.

• Inclusive Culture: Work alongside highly skilled surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative professionals in a collaborative environment where every team member is valued and respected.

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 perioperative care to patients across the High Country.

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian is a premier healthcare provider in the High Country, operating three hospitals and a variety of medical services. We are committed to improving the health and quality of life for residents of the region.

About UNC Health

As part of the University of North Carolina system, UNC Health includes 14 hospitals and more than 500 clinics dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of North Carolinians.

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.