Position Summary

The registered nurse (RN) provides direct and indirect patient care services that meet the psychosocial, physical, and restorative needs of each patient. The registered nurse’s decisions and actions with patients and families are determined in an ethical manner, practicing compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and unique attributes of each person. Effectively communicates with patients/families, visitors, colleagues, physicians, leadership, and volunteers. All areas of nursing practice and care delivery are provided to achieve and maintain top decile results and outcomes for patient experience, quality, and patient safety. The RN follows and adheres to ARHS policies and procedures; regulatory requirements and standards of behavior. The RN practices within the nurse practice act and their license.

The RN demonstrates the ARHS Mission, Vision, and Values in action, and, approaches work in a way that reflects a bias for action, efficiency, and personal accountability. The RN demonstrates professional conduct, effective communication, and effective delegation of tasks. Effectively and professionally manages working relationships with coworkers, physicians, and all ARHS team members in a way that promotes a healthy work environment. Responds quickly and accurately to emergencies in the work environment and/or to changes in patient condition. Performs registered nursing duties under general supervision. Always assists coworkers, patients, families, and visitors regardless of the patient assignment, so long as the assistance is in-line with their scope of practice and license.

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse delivers vital care to seriously ill or injured patients. The ICU nurse performs q range of tasks including performing diagnostic tests, monitoring patient recovery, and responding to medical emergencies. The ICU nurse demonstrates a highly analytical mindset and works collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team, designated family and friends to report progress or changes in condition. Shows compassion, empathy, and understanding when patient condition deteriorates, or patient expires.

Minimum pay rate for this position is $30.50 / hour. This rate is commensurate based on education and experience. Rate is not reflective of shift differentials. This is a non-exempt position eligible for benefits after a 60-day waiting period. Includes a $25,000 sign-on bonus that will be paid in three (3) installments: $10,000 after first 90-days, $5,000 after one year, and $10,000 after two years. Candidate must have at least one year experience. Employees interested in being rehired must be gone for six months in order to be eligible for the sign-on bonus.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing

Experience

• Previous experience as a registered nurse is not required but is preferred.
• Previous Health Care Experience in an acute or clinic setting is preferred.
• One-year prior experience in a similar role with a similar scope is preferred.

Required Registration/License/Certification

• Current licensure as an RN in North Carolina.
• Basic Life Support (BLS). BLS from the American Heart Association is required at the time of hire.
• All required certifications must be obtained within 1 year of hire date, except Basic Life Support (BLS).
• BLS, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications must be obtained from American Heart Association.
• Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course (ENPC) and Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certifications must be obtained from the ENA.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physician and acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills.
• Competent in delivering safe and effective patient care within legal limits of licensure and hospital policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the continuum of nursing care provided in the patient care department.
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians.

Physical Demands

• Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds
• Manual dexterity and mobility
• Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking
• Bending, squatting, twisting, turning
• Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

Working Conditions

• Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases
• Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment; odorous chemicals and specimens; and, unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces uneven surfaces), etc.
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays); and emergency situations.
• Continuous standing and walking long periods = to, or, greater than >8 hours per shift
• Speaking, reading and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day
• Exposed to vibration; and cramped spaces >1 hour day
• Frequently mobilizes patients >4 hours per day
• Frequently per shift: lifts, carries; pushes; and/or, pulls >50 lbs
• Frequently per hour: bends; squats; kneels; twists; turns; and reaches.
• Frequently per minute: hand, finger and wrist repetition; and moderate dexterity.
• Frequently per hour, exposed to soft voices >3ft away.
• Frequently per hour, exposed to close eye work
• Infrequently per shift, may be exposed to Ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure including x-ray and microwave

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Benefits

• Employee Choice Health Plans – 3 plans tailored to fit your life.
• Dental & Vision Plan Options.
• Retirement – ARHS offers both pre-tax and post-tax ROTH contribution with a robust employer match.
• Parental Leave – Eligible employees can take two weeks of paid parental leave anytime during the first six months following the birth or adoption of a child.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Employee Wellness Program.

About ARHS

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System is a family of two hospitals and multi-specialty physician practices. ARHS is the leader for healthcare in the High Country, providing high quality, compassionate healthcare for the mountain region of northwest North Carolina and northeast Tennessee. At ARHS, we believe in Making Life Better. Each interaction provides us with an opportunity to have a positive impact. Click here to see how our team takes pride in Making Life Better for those we serve.

About the Area

Big-city cultural attractions and small-town warmth merge in Boone, NC and its neighboring communities. Home to Appalachian State University, the High Country offers an abundance of activities for everyone to enjoy. Take a ride on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, head to the slopes for a day of skiing during the winter, or visit the small village of Blowing Rock, located just ten miles from Boone, and enjoy fine dining and shopping. There is so much to explore in the High Country. Come start your adventure today.

About Watauga Medical Center

• Licensed as a 117-bed regional referral medical complex, Watauga Medical Center, located in Boone, NC, offers both primary and secondary acute and specialty care.
• We are growing! See the future of Watauga Medical Center here.
• Watauga Medical Center has certification by The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center since 2011. The hospital was recognized by the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines® program and awarded the Silver Plus and Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll designations for 2019.
• Our Cancer Center is recognized as an approved Community Cancer Care Center by the American College of Surgeon’s Committee on Cancer.
• Watauga Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Chest Pain Certification since 2018.

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System is committed to equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Discrimination and harassment of any type is prohibited.