ED Secretary – Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Location: Boone, North Carolina | Full-Time | Emergency Department | Non-Exempt
As an ED Secretary – Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll play a vital role in supporting both the clinical and administrative functions of the Emergency Department. Working alongside physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams, you'll help ensure efficient department operations while providing compassionate patient care in a fast-paced emergency setting.
This role is ideal for a Certified Nursing Assistant who enjoys multitasking, thrives in a dynamic environment, and is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care and service.
Compensation: Starting at $18.05 per 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; Career Pathways Program; paid parental leave; wellness incentives through Love Your Life; Employee-to-Employee (E2E) assistance program; and employee discounts to regional attractions. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.
Boone, North Carolina offers breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain views, year-round outdoor recreation, a vibrant arts and dining scene, top-rated schools, and Appalachian State University.
- Perform Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) duties under the direction of licensed nursing staff.
- Assist with patient care activities, including obtaining vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and supporting patient comfort.
- Monitor patient conditions and promptly report changes to the nursing team.
- Respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations and changes in patient status.
- Reinforce patient safety initiatives and infection prevention practices.
- Support daily Emergency Department operations through clerical and administrative responsibilities.
- Assist with patient registration, documentation, communication, and coordination of patient flow.
- Maintain accurate documentation within the electronic medical record (EMR).
- Coordinate communication between patients, families, providers, and healthcare team members.
- Ensure timely processing of information to support efficient department operations.
- Build positive, professional relationships with patients, families, physicians, nurses, and team members.
- Communicate clearly and courteously while maintaining patient confidentiality.
- Promote teamwork and collaboration to support exceptional patient care and operational efficiency.
- Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and compassion in every patient interaction.
- Support UNC Health Appalachian's Mission, Vision, Values, and Standards of Behavior.
- Maintain compliance with departmental policies, regulatory requirements, and patient safety protocols.
- Contribute to a positive patient experience through outstanding customer service.
- Assist in creating a healthy, respectful, and collaborative work environment.
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Previous Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) experience preferred but not required.
- Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in the State of North Carolina required.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at the time of hire.
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification required within one (1) year of hire.
- Knowledge of Certified Nursing Assistant scope of practice and patient care principles.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and healthcare team members.
- Ability to remain calm and resolve conflict in high-pressure situations.
- Knowledge of the continuum of patient care and emergency department workflows.
- Strong customer service skills with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) preferred.
- Ability to prioritize responsibilities and adapt to a fast-paced clinical environment.
- Ability to lift, position, push, pull, and transfer patients and equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
- Manual dexterity and mobility required for patient care activities.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, squatting, twisting, turning, and reaching throughout the shift.
- Ability to perform repetitive hand, finger, and wrist movements.
- Near visual acuity required for patient observation, documentation, and clinical tasks.
- Ability to work extended periods standing and walking during shifts of eight (8) or more hours.
- Fast-paced Emergency Department environment with frequent exposure to urgent and emergent patient situations.
- Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and healthcare-related hazards.
- Frequent exposure to electrical and mechanical equipment, chemicals, and environmental hazards.
- Requires flexibility to work days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.
- Continuous collaboration with physicians, nurses, ancillary departments, patients, and families.
- Requires adaptability, professionalism, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
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. We exist to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve while advancing medical education and research.
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 diverse backgrounds and perspectives, enhancing our ability to provide outstanding care.
We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to a fair, 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 is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening. For questions or accommodations, contact [email protected].
Location: UNC Health Appalachian · Emergency Room Services
Schedule: Full-time, Nights & Weekends, 7pm-7am
