Emerging Healthcare Professional (CNA)
Location: Boone, NC | PRN | Shifts Vary
Why You'll Love Working Here
As an Emerging Healthcare Professional at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll gain hands-on clinical experience while continuing your education, supporting patient care across our facilities. You'll work in a variety of roles and departments — from unit-based CNA support to behavioral health observation, telemetry monitoring, and more — all within a mission-driven health system committed to safety, teamwork, and professional growth.
Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Boone offers the perfect blend of community, culture, and outdoor adventure.
- Compensation: Flat rate of $22.00 /hour
- Schedule Commitment: Schedule varies
- Benefits: As a PRN position, this role is not eligible for employee benefits.
What You'll Do as an Emerging Healthcare Professional
- Perform all job functions under the direction and supervision of a licensed nurse.
- Float between UNC Health Appalachian facilities and departments as assigned — including Watauga Medical Center, Cannon Memorial Hospital, Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health Hospital, and Appalachian Regional Medical Associates.
- Work in a variety of roles within the CNA scope, including Staff CNA, Uncertified Medical Office Assistant (MOA), Behavioral Health / Patient Observation Technician, Telemetry Technician, or Unit Secretary.
- Deliver safe, compassionate, and competent care, maintaining a positive, inclusive, and welcoming environment for patients, staff, and stakeholders.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and team members, working within the chain of command.
- Demonstrate flexibility by adjusting to departmental needs and assisting where staffing support is required.
- Build clinical knowledge and experience while upholding UNC Health Appalachian's Mission, Vision, and Values.
Qualifications
- Education:
- High school diploma or GED required at time of hire.
- Experience:
- Previous experience in a healthcare setting preferred, but not required.
- Licensure/Certifications:
- Active North Carolina license as a Certified Nursing Assistant I or II required at time of hire.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at time of hire.
- Willingness to attend required General Orientation (Monday) and Nursing Orientation (Tuesday) sessions upon hire.
- Skills & Abilities:
- Strong communication skills using positive verbal and non-verbal techniques.
- Ability to coordinate and organize details and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting.
- Flexibility, adaptability, openness to change, and a personable approach.
- Excellent customer service skills and proficiency with typing and computer applications.
Physical & Work Environment
- Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 30 lbs; manual dexterity and mobility required.
- Prolonged sitting, with periods of standing and walking; frequent bending, squatting, twisting, turning, and reaching.
- Frequent hand, finger, and wrist repetition; near visual acuity and close eye work.
- Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, specimens, and hazardous equipment.
- Work may involve irregular hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies.
What Sets Us Apart
- Career Growth: Structured advancement pathways, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing development — this role is built to launch your healthcare career.
- Impactful Work: As an Emerging Healthcare Professional, you'll provide critical support across departments and facilities, making a direct difference in patient care, safety, and workflow throughout our three hospitals and outpatient facilities.
- Community & Lifestyle: Boone ranks among the best small towns in America, offering outdoor recreation, arts, culture, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Inclusive Culture: UNC Health Appalachian is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring every team member feels valued and supported.
Ready to launch your healthcare career and make a difference across our system? Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian and make a lasting impact on our community.
About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays 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 (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.
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 a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and 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 at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact [email protected].
Location: UNC Health Appalachian · Staff Ready Non Clinical
Schedule: PRN, Days or Nights, 7am-7pm, 7pm-7am
