Emerging Healthcare Professional
Position Overview
The Emerging Healthcare Professional is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) working under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This role is designed for individuals seeking hands-on clinical experience in a healthcare setting while continuing their education. The Emerging Healthcare Professional provides compassionate, competent care across various Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) facilities , including but not limited to Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health Hospital, Appalachian Regional Medical Associates, Cannon Memorial Hospital, and Watauga Medical Center .
This role floats across multiple units and departments within ARHS, performing tasks aligned with the CNA scope of practice. Responsibilities may include unit-based CNA duties, Medical Office Assistant (MOA) tasks, Behavioral Health Technician support, Patient Observation, Telemetry Monitoring, and Unit Secretary functions .
Position Requirements :
- Work 36 hours per 6-week schedule
- Work 1 holiday per year
- Work 1 special event day per year
- Attend 1 General Orientation (Monday) and 1 Nursing Orientation (Tuesday) upon hire
Compensation is a flat rate of $22.00 per hour and is eligible for shift differential on top of the base rate of pay for qualifying shifts.
The Perks and Benefits
Collaborative environment : Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals passionate about delivering high-quality care.Professional development : We offer ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and participation in our Career Pathways Program.Impactful work : Ensure patient safety and contribute to positive health outcomes.Location perks : Boone, NC, offers outdoor activities, shopping, dining, breweries, and cultural attractions.Top-tier community : Boone boasts a top-rated public school system and is home to Appalachian State University.Compensation is a flat rate of $22.00 per hour and is eligible for shift differential on top of the base rate of pay for qualifying shifts. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is non-exempt and includes shift differentials for qualified shifts.Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA.Supplemental insurance covering short- and long-term disability, accident, life, hospital indemnity, critical illness, identity theft protection, and legal assistance.Student loan refinancing and tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees.403(b) retirement plan with employer match.Paid time off (PTO) : Front-loaded for the first year, with a cash-out option available for qualifying employees.Paid parental leave : Two weeks of paid leave within the first six months of birth / adoption.Employee wellness program - Love Your Life : Award-winning voluntary wellness program with incentives.Employee to Employee (E2E) program : A voluntary, employee-funded assistance program.Additional employee perks : Discounts for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, and more.Take a virtual tour of our new Schaefer Family Patient Care Tower [here].Key Responsibilities
Float across various ARHS facilities and departments , assisting in patient care and administrative support as needed.Provide direct and indirect patient care within the scope of a CNA or EMT , including but not limited to vital signs, documentation, and assisting with activities of daily living.Serve as Medical Office Assistant (MOA), Behavioral Health Technician, Patient Observation Technician, Telemetry Technician, or Unit Secretary , as assigned.Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team to ensure coordinated and safe care.Adhere to safety protocols, infection control measures, and patient confidentiality regulations .Position Requirements
Minimum Education
High school diploma or GED required at time of hire.Must hold Certified Nursing Assistant I or II (CNA-I or CNA-II)Experience
Experience in a healthcare setting preferred but not required.Required Registration / License / Certification
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at time of hire.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective patient and team interactions.Ability to provide exceptional customer service to patients, families, and healthcare teams.Typing, computer literacy, word processing, and mathematical skills required.Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage patient care across different units.Openness to change, flexibility, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.Physical Demands
Continuous sitting, standing, or walking for ≥ 8 hours per shift .Speaking, reading, and writing for ≥ 8 hours per day .Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching .Frequent hand, finger, and wrist repetition with moderate dexterity.Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30 lbs .Working Conditions
Regular exposure to bloodborne diseases .Frequent exposure to electrical, mechanical, and power equipment hazards .Exposure to odorous chemicals, specimens, and unpleasant elements .Subject to irregular hours , including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.Extended periods of standing, walking, and sitting required .About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian, the leader in High Country healthcare, consists of three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation . We are committed to improving health, enhancing quality of life, and making life better for our community.
About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity affiliated with the University of North Carolina system , operating 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and over 500 clinics . Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided $400+ million in uncompensated or charity care to North Carolina residents.
UNC Health Appalachian values 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 welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process .
Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening . For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu .
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