Nursing Educator Position Available In Watauga, North Carolina

Position Summary The RN Educator at UNC Health Appalachian plays a vital role in supporting the onboarding, development, and ongoing education of RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and other clinical team members. This role is responsible for coordinating comprehensive orientation programs, developing and delivering educational content, and promoting continuous professional growth. The RN Educator partners with nursing leadership and quality teams to identify learning needs, optimize clinical workflows, and drive quality improvement initiatives. This position also supports a healthy, inclusive, and safe work environment by fostering a culture of respect, compassion, and continuous improvement. The RN Educator serves as a role model and resource to staff, ensuring clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, and organizational alignment with UNC Health’s mission and values. This role requires strong clinical expertise, excellent communication and teaching skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments to improve both patient outcomes and staff engagement. Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. Hiring compensation range starts from $36.85 per hour. This is an exempt position.

The Perks and Benefits:

Collaborative environment: Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals who share a passion for delivering high-quality care.

Professional development:

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

Impactful work:

Help ensure patient safety and contribute directly to positive patient outcomes in our community.

Location perks:

Boone, North Carolina, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, offers exceptional outdoor activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing, and more. Enjoy great shopping, fine dining, breweries, wineries, and cultural attractions in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Linville.

Top-tier community:

Boone boasts a top-rated North Carolina public school system and is home to Appalachian State University. Recognized as a top destination by Forbes, Southern Living, and Niche, Boone is ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Compensation:

Commensurate upon education & experience – range is $35/hour or more (depending on education & experience). 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 – award-winning voluntary wellness program available for UNC Health Appalachian employees. Employees enrolled on the organization’s health plan can enroll with our health screening (biometrics and labs) and earn program incentives. Employees who are not enrolled on the organization’s health plan can participate in online wellness activities for a chance to earn quarterly prize drawings. Employee to Employee (E2E) program – Caring for our own. Employee program that is solely funded by voluntary employee donations. The money is used to financially assist co-workers that are experiencing unexpected financial hardship. Additional employee perks include discounted rates for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, etc. (subject to change).

Key Responsibilities Coordinate Clinical Onboarding:

Lead the orientation and onboarding process for new RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and clinical students, ensuring a smooth transition into the organization and alignment with clinical standards.

Develop Educational Programs:

Assess learning needs and create targeted training, workshops, and skill development initiatives to support professional growth and clinical excellence.

Support Workflow Optimization:

Evaluate nursing workflows and implement improvements to enhance efficiency, standardize practices, and support adoption of new processes or technologies. Contribute to

Quality Improvement:

Partner with quality and leadership teams to develop and implement initiatives that improve patient outcomes, clinical performance, and staff engagement. Promote a

Positive Work Environment:

Foster a culture of safety, inclusion, and well-being by modeling professionalism, supporting wellness programs, and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in nursing practice. Position Qualifications Minimum Education Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s degree in Nursing Education preferred. Experience Minimum of three (3) years of nursing experience. Required Registration/License/Certification Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of North Carolina. Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association is required at the time of hire. Basic Life Support (BLS) instructor is required within one (1) year of hire. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strong knowledge of nursing education principles and practices. Excellent communication and teaching skills. Competent in delivering safe and effective patient-care within legal limits of license and certifications and hospital policies and procedures. Knowledge of the continuum of care provided in the patient care department. Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Physical Demands The job may require prolonged periods of standing, walking, and/or sitting while conducting training sessions, participating in meetings, or providing clinical support. Lifting and carrying of educational materials, equipment, or supplies may be required during training sessions or program development activities. The RN Educator should be able to demonstrate and perform clinical skills and procedures as needed during training or clinical support sessions. Ability to operate computer equipment and utilize software applications for educational purposes. Working Conditions The position primarily operates in a professional office environment within the healthcare facility, including classrooms, meeting rooms, and clinical areas. The RN Educator may need to travel between different locations within the healthcare system to conduct training sessions, attend meetings, or provide support to various departments. The job may involve exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous materials, and other environmental risks typical of healthcare settings. The RN Educator should be able to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and adjusting to changing priorities. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to accommodate training sessions, meetings, or special events. The position may involve interaction with patients, families, and visitors, requiring professionalism, empathy, and effective communication skills. 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.” 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 .