Assistant Nurse Manager (RN) - IMCU - Intermediate Care Unit

Assistant Nurse Manager (RN - Registered Nurse) – Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU)

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Intermediate Care Unit | Non-Exempt

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As an Assistant Nurse Manager (RN) for the Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) at UNC Health Appalachian, you will play an important leadership role in supporting the daily operations of the unit while helping ensure safe, compassionate, high-quality care for patients requiring intermediate or higher-acuity nursing care.

You’ll work closely with the ACNO, Nurse Manager, registered nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care, support nursing staff, and promote exceptional outcomes in patient experience, quality, and safety.

This position combines clinical nursing expertise with frontline leadership, giving you the opportunity to support staff, facilitate communication and delegation, respond to changes in patient condition, and foster a positive, collaborative environment within the Intermediate Care Unit.

Compensation: Starting at $40.02 per hour or more, based on education, experience, certification, and internal equity
Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits: Comprehensive medical (for full-time employees), dental, and vision coverage; HSA; supplemental insurance options; student loan refinancing; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; Career Pathways Program; Love Your Life wellness incentives; 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 the new hire orientation date.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone, North Carolina offers mountain views, hiking, biking, skiing, shopping, and a vibrant community centered around Appalachian State University.

What You’ll Do as an Assistant Nurse Manager (RN) – Intermediate Care Unit

Unit Leadership & Operations

• Support the ACNO and Nurse Manager with the daily operations of the Intermediate Care Unit.
• Assist with staff coordination, assignments, scheduling needs, and daily workflow.
• Provide clinical leadership and support to nursing staff caring for intermediate-acuity patients.
• Promote a positive, healthy, and collaborative work environment within the unit.
• Support effective delegation, prioritization, and communication among members of the care team.
• Help drive unit goals related to patient experience, quality, safety, and clinical outcomes.

Intermediate Care Patient Care

• Provide safe, effective, compassionate nursing care to patients requiring intermediate-level monitoring and care.
• Monitor patients closely and recognize changes in condition requiring timely intervention or escalation.
• Respond promptly to emergencies and changes in patient status.
• Assist nursing staff with complex patient care needs as appropriate and within scope of practice.
• Promote continuity of care and safe transitions across the healthcare continuum.
• Ensure patient care reflects compassion, dignity, respect, and a patient-centered approach.

Clinical Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients, families, nurses, physicians, and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
• Collaborate with providers and care teams regarding changes in patient condition, treatment plans, and patient needs.
• Serve as a clinical resource and support for nursing staff within the Intermediate Care Unit.
• Promote effective communication, teamwork, and professional accountability among unit staff.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Promote safe nursing practices and adherence to applicable clinical and regulatory standards.
• Support quality improvement and patient safety initiatives within the Intermediate Care Unit.
• Follow the North Carolina Nurse Practice Act, UNC Health Appalachian policies, regulatory requirements, and professional standards.
• Uphold UNC Health Appalachian's Mission, Vision, Values, and behavioral standards.
• Support efforts to achieve top-decile results in patient experience, quality, and safety.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) required
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of registered nurse experience highly preferred

Licensure & Certifications

• Current and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of North Carolina
• Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at time of hire
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) from the American Heart Association must be obtained within one (1) year of hire
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification must be obtained within one (1) year of hire

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to prioritize, delegate, and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced intermediate care environment
• Knowledge of nursing practice, healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and the nursing care continuum
• Ability to recognize changes in patient condition and respond appropriately
• Strong clinical judgment and ability to support the care of higher-acuity patients
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a compassionate, patient-focused approach
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, staff, physicians, and leadership
• Commitment to exceptional patient experience, quality, safety, and teamwork

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, position, push, pull, and transfer patients weighing more than 50 pounds
• Manual dexterity and mobility required for patient care activities
• Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, turning, and reaching
• Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking
• Frequent repetitive hand, finger, and wrist movements
• Visual acuity sufficient to clearly see at 20 inches or less
• Ability to remain standing and walking for more than 8 hours during a shift

Work Environment

• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and healthcare-related hazards
• Exposure to electrical and mechanical hazards, odorous chemicals, uneven surfaces, and other clinical risks
• Requires flexibility for evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations
• Frequent patient mobilization and prolonged standing and walking during shifts
• Possible exposure to vibration, cramped spaces, and ionizing or non-ionizing radiation, including X-ray and microwave sources
• Fast-paced inpatient environment caring for patients requiring intermediate-level monitoring and nursing care

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian is a leader in healthcare in the High Country, comprising three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and the Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. We are committed to promoting health, enhancing quality of life, and making life better for the communities we serve.

About UNC Health

UNC Health is an affiliated entity of the University of North Carolina system, comprising 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and more than 500 clinics. UNC Health is committed to improving health and well-being while supporting the education of healthcare professionals.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status. We are committed to fair, respectful, and inclusive hiring practices. Accommodations are available throughout the application process.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks and drug screening.

For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.