Emerging Healthcare Professional

Emerging Healthcare Professional (CNA)

Location: Boone, NC | PRN | Shifts Vary

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.

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System