Certified Nursing Assistant; CNA; Med Surg

Watauga Medical Center
· Medical Surgical

Clinical Service

Location: Boone, North Carolina |
Inpatient Setting |
Non-Exempt

Why You'll Love Working Here

As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll play an essential role in supporting patient care and comfort. Working under the direction of licensed nurses, you'll provide hands‑on assistance that directly impacts patient experience, safety, and overall well-being.

This position is ideal for someone who is compassionate, dependable, and committed to delivering respectful, patient‑centered care in a collaborative healthcare environment.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains,
Boone, North Carolina offers exceptional outdoor recreation, vibrant community living, and outstanding quality of life.

Compensation: Starting at $17.87/hour
, based on education and experience.

Shift Differentials: Available in addition to base pay.

Schedule:7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Nights and Weekends, Varying Shifts

Applicable Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement;
Career Pathways Program; wellness incentives through the Love Your Life program;
Employee‑to‑Employee (E2E) support program; and additional employee discounts.

Benefits Eligibility: Applicable benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.

What You'll Do as a Certified Nursing Assistant

Patient Care & Clinical Support

Assist licensed nursing staff by preparing patients, equipment, and supplies for procedures.

Obtain, record, and report accurate patient information, including vital signs.

Provide personal care including feeding, bathing, shaving, dressing, repositioning, and bed‑making.

Reinforce patient and family education as directed by nursing staff or physicians.

Monitor patient conditions and promptly report changes to licensed staff.

Collaboration & Professional Practice

Maintain compliance with organizational standards and CNA scope of practice.

Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients, families, and healthcare team members.

Support a safe, compassionate, and patient‑centered environment.

Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and integrity in high‑stress situations.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications/Licenses

Education

High School Diploma required.

Successful completion of an accredited CNA program licensed in North Carolina.

Experience

Previous CNA experience preferred but not required.

Required Licensure & Certifications

Active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in the State of North Carolina.

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

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of CNA scope of practice and patient care procedures.

Effective and courteous communication skills.

Ability to work collaboratively within the healthcare team.

Strong customer service mindset and commitment to patient dignity.

Conflict resolution skills and emotional resilience.

Proficiency with basic computer systems and Electronic Medical Records (EMR).

Physical & Work Environment

Physical Demands

Ability to lift, position, push, pull, and transfer patients or equipment weighing 50+ pounds.

Manual dexterity and mobility required for hands‑on patient care.

Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking.

Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and turning.

Near visual acuity for detailed patient care tasks.

Working Conditions

Regular exposure to blood borne pathogens and infectious materials.

Frequent exposure to electrical/mechanical equipment and environmental hazards.

Requires flexibility for irregular hours including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Physical stamina for long shifts and frequent patient…