CNA 1

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Location: Linville, North Carolina | Full-Time | 7:00pm - 7:00am

Why You'll Love Working Here

As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll support compassionate, patient-centered care by assisting nurses and clinical teams with essential bedside tasks. You'll help prepare patients for procedures, assist with personal care, observe and report changes in condition, and contribute to a healing environment for patients and their families. This role is vital to delivering safe, respectful, and high-quality care across our organization.

• Compensation: Starting at $18.05 per hour, based on education and experience.
• Schedule: Full-time, variable shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, retirement with employer match, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, wellness incentives, and employee discounts.

What You'll Do as a Certified Nursing Assistant

• Assist licensed nurses with direct patient care according to CNA scope of practice.
• Provide personal care including bathing, feeding, grooming, dressing, toileting, and repositioning.
• Prepare patients, equipment, and supplies for nursing procedures and examinations.
• Obtain and record accurate vital signs, intake/output, and other patient information.
• Observe and report changes in patient condition to nursing staff promptly.
• Assist with mobility, transfers, ambulation, and fall-prevention activities.
• Support patient and family education by reinforcing instructions provided by licensed clinical staff.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment.
• Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and adherence to UNC Health Appalachian policies and values.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • High school diploma required at time of hire.
  • Successful completion of a North Carolina–approved CNA training program.
• Experience:
  • Prior CNA experience preferred but not required.
• Licenses/Certifications:
  • Current North Carolina CNA certification required.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at hire.
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Knowledge of CNA scope of practice and patient care best practices.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to handle high-stress environments while maintaining professionalism.
  • Proficiency with basic computer skills and EMR documentation.
  • Commitment to patient safety, dignity, and exceptional service.

Physical & Work Environment

• Lift, reposition, push, pull, or transfer up to and over 50 lbs.
• Prolonged standing, walking, and occasional sitting throughout 8 hour shifts.
• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, and reaching.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity for patient care tasks.
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and hospital environment hazards.
• Irregular scheduling including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies.

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Benefit from tuition reimbursement, CNA-to-LPN pathways, and Career Pathways advancement opportunities.
• Impactful Work: Provide essential bedside care that makes a meaningful difference in patients' comfort, dignity, and safety.
• Community & Lifestyle: Boone offers mountain living, outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community — consistently ranked among America's best small towns by Forbes and Southern Living.
• Inclusive Culture: We value diversity, equity, and inclusion — ensuring all team members feel respected, supported, and empowered.

Ready to make a meaningful impact through compassionate bedside care? Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian as a Certified Nursing Assistant and help us deliver exceptional care to 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 arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.