CNA I - ICU

CNA I - ICU

Position Overview :

The ICU Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) plays a critical role in delivering safe, compassionate, patient-centered care within the Intensive Care Unit. This role supports the interdisciplinary healthcare team by providing essential patient care services, fostering a team-oriented environment, and contributing to operational efficiency.

The ICU CNA demonstrates UNC Health Appalachian's Mission, Vision, and Values in action through initiative, efficiency, and personal accountability. They maintain professionalism, effective communication, and collaboration with coworkers, physicians, patients, and families, ensuring a supportive and healthy work environment.

The ICU CNA provides care and assistance within their certified scope of practice under general supervision. They consistently support coworkers, patients, families, and visitors, extending assistance regardless of individual patient assignments to promote service excellence and teamwork.

The starting hourly rate for this position is $17.87 / hour. Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity.

The Perks and Benefits :

Collaborative environment : Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals in a fast-paced ICU setting, committed to delivering high-quality, life-saving care.

Professional development : We offer ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement, including tuition reimbursement and participation in our Career Pathways Program.

Impactful work : Provide critical support for patient care in one of the most essential areas of the hospital, helping improve outcomes for patients in life-threatening conditions.

Location perks : Boone, North Carolina, located in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, offers exceptional outdoor activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, and more. Explore vibrant shopping, dining, breweries, wineries, and cultural attractions in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Linville.

Top-tier community : Boone is home to Appalachian State University and a top-rated North Carolina public school system. Named a top destination by Forbes, Southern Living, and Niche, Boone is ideal for families, professionals, and retirees.

Competitive pay : Starting at $17.87 / hour, with eligibility for shift differential based on unit needs. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is a non-exempt position.

Employee wellness program - Love Your Life : Our award-winning wellness program offers biometric screenings, health incentives, and wellness activities for all employees.

Employee to Employee (E2E) program : Provides financial assistance to coworkers experiencing unexpected hardships, funded entirely by voluntary employee donations.

Additional employee perks : Discounted rates for popular attractions including Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, and more (subject to change).

Key Responsibilities :

Provide safe, effective, patient-centered care within the ICU under the direction of licensed nursing staff.

Assist with activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, mobility, and hygiene.

Monitor and report patient conditions, noting changes and communicating effectively with the healthcare team.

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment for patients and staff.

Demonstrate professional behavior, compassion, and respect for each patient’s dignity and unique attributes.

Uphold UNC Health Appalachian policies, standards of behavior, and regulatory requirements.

Assist coworkers, patients, families, and visitors within scope of practice, supporting a team-based approach to care delivery.

Respond quickly and accurately to emergencies or changes in patient conditions.

Position Requirements :

Minimum Education :

High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required at time of hire.

Experience :

Previous CNA experience preferred but not required.

Required Registration / License / Certification :

Certified as a CNA in the state of North Carolina.

Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at the time of hire.

Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training and certification required within one (1) year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Knowledge of CNA scope of practice and patient care procedures.

Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with patients, families, staff, and physicians.

Ability to resolve conflict and maintain composure in high-stress, rapidly changing environments.

Commitment to patient-centered care and exceptional customer service.

Basic computer skills, including EMR use and data entry.

Physical Demands :

Ability to lift, carry, position, push, and pull over 50 pounds.

Prolonged standing, walking, and patient care activities throughout extended shifts.

Manual dexterity, mobility, and hand-eye coordination for patient care tasks.

Flexibility for bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching.

Visual acuity for close work (ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less).

Working Conditions :

Regular exposure to blood-borne pathogens and infectious materials.

Frequent exposure to hazards such as electrical equipment, chemicals, specimens, and unpleasant elements.

Subject to irregular hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies.

Continuous standing and walking for shifts exceeding 8 hours.

Frequent lifting, carrying, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, and reaching.

Repetitive hand, wrist, and finger movements required.

Regular exposure to soft voices, close eye work, and confined spaces.

Occasional exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation (e.g., x-rays, microwaves).

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, includes three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. We are committed to promoting health, enhancing quality of life, and “making life better” for our communities.

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprising 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and more than 500 clinics, along with the patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). We are dedicated to improving health and well-being while supporting the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided over $400 million in uncompensated or charity care across North Carolina. For more information, visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce reflecting diverse backgrounds and perspectives, enhancing our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences. 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 arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.

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