Full-Time
Registered Nurse
Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Nonprofit health system serving Appalachia
No salary listed
Hazard, KY, USA
In Person
Bachelor's, Associate's
 Medical, Clinical & Veterinary (1) |
|---|
- An Associate's Degree is required.
- Registered Nurse qualification is required.
- Basic Life Support certification is required upon hire.
- De-Escalation Training is required within six months of hire.
- Advanced Dysrhythmia/EKG certification is required for the medical-surgical telemetry unit only.
- Demonstrate mastery of problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrate mastery of collaboration and teamwork.
- Demonstrate growth mindset skills, including agility and developing yourself and others.
- Demonstrate execution and delivery skills, including planning, delivering, and supporting.
- Evaluate the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Function in a clinical setting with diverse cultural dynamics among clinical staff and patients.
- Demonstrate knowledge of phases of care transitions and available patient resources.
- Demonstrate digital literacy skills.
- Complete patient assessments, formulate plans of care, oversee their implementation, and evaluate and adjust them using critical thinking skills.
- Perform nursing acts authorized or limited by the board and consistent with American Nurses Association standards of practice or standards established by nationally accepted organizations of registered nurses.
- Provide care, counseling, health teaching, and promotion, using the Teach Back methodology to affirm comprehension.
- Administer medication, intravenous therapy, and treatment as prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner.
- Supervise, delegate, and follow through with other personnel performing activities related to nursing care.
- Mentor and precept students and orient new staff as assigned.
- Report pertinent information through the chain of command to the Clinical Nurse Manager, Nurse Manager, or House Nurse Coordinator.
- Participate on teams and committees and in performance-improvement initiatives.
- Ensure a safe and secure environment for patients, coworkers, and self.
- Participate in discharge planning and transition of care and define patient needs.
- Serve as a patient advocate and timely escalate patient-related concerns.
- Timely document pertinent findings in the medical record.
- Assist patients with activities of daily living and function as an active team member.
- Assume responsibility for personnel professional development.
- Use effective communication and active listening skills while demonstrating a compassionate and empathetic attitude.
- Practice hands-off communication and perform bedside shift reporting using Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation unless contradicted.
- Serve as a positive influence and role model and adhere to the professional code of conduct.
- Respect patient dignity and confidentiality.
- Perform other job duties as assigned.
- A Bachelor's Degree is preferred.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare operates 14 nonprofit hospitals across Kentucky and West Virginia, serving rural Central Appalachia. It offers primary and specialty care, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and behavioral health, plus home health, pharmacy, and rehabilitation services through over 1,300 providers. What sets ARH apart is its position as one of the region's largest employers, focused on medically underserved communities. The goal is to improve health and promote well-being for the people of Central Appalachia.
Company Size
N/A
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$3.7M
Headquarters
Barbourville, Kentucky
Founded
1955
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- ARH won the 2026 Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health on May 28, 2026.
- ARH and Delta Dental launched an August 6, 2026 scholarship pipeline for future dentists.
- ARH expanded lifestyle medicine and hospital leadership, including Joey Waddell at Whitesburg ARH.
What critics are saying
- ARH sued Pike County in April 2026 over $3 million in unpaid psychiatric care.
- The January 2026 nurses contract raises wages across nine facilities through April 2029.
- Correctional-care collections and rural reimbursement strain cash flow across ARH's 14-hospital network.
What makes Appalachian Regional Healthcare unique
- ARH runs 14 hospitals across Eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia.
- ARH opened six new birthing suites at Hazard ARH on March 25, 2026.
- ARH broke ground May 6, 2026 on a $54 million Middlesboro oncology center.
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Company News
UPIKE, ARH and Delta Dental of Kentucky launch scholarship for future dentists. By: Amy Charles | August 6, 2026 The University of Pikeville (UPIKE), Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) and Delta Dental of Kentucky have partnered to create a new scholarship program that will expand educational opportunities for future dentists while strengthening Kentucky's oral health workforce. The Delta Dental of Kentucky ARH Family Scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible dependents of ARH employees who are admitted to the UPIKE Tanner College of Dental Medicine (TCDM). Funds are applied toward tuition and other approved educational expenses, with scholarship recipients eligible to reapply annually while they remain qualified for the program. The scholarship also encourages graduates to serve communities across the Commonwealth by requiring recipients to practice in Kentucky for at least one year after earning their professional license. The initiative reflects the shared commitment of UPIKE, ARH and Delta Dental of Kentucky to increase access to dental education, invest in Kentucky families and help address the state's growing need for oral health professionals. "This scholarship removes financial barriers for talented students while creating a pathway for future dentists to serve the people of Kentucky," said TCDM Dean Jill Keaton, DMD, MS. "We are grateful to Delta Dental of Kentucky and Appalachian Regional Healthcare for investing in the next generation of oral healthcare providers." The scholarship is an example of ARH's commitment to supporting employees and their families while creating opportunities that have a lasting impact on the communities it serves. "At ARH, we believe investing in our employees also means investing in their families and in the future of the communities they call home," said ARH President and CEO Hollie Harris. "We are proud to help create opportunities for the spouses and dependents of our employees to pursue careers in dentistry. This scholarship is another way we can support the people who make our ARH mission possible while helping create a healthier future for Kentucky." Through the scholarship, Delta Dental of Kentucky is investing in the education of future dental professionals at TCDM while supporting ARH employees and their families. "Delta Dental of Kentucky is excited to partner with ARH to help make dental education more accessible for students pursuing their dreams at the University of Pikeville's Tanner College of Dental Medicine," said Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer for Delta Dental of Kentucky Brian Hart. "We believe this investment will create lasting benefits for Eastern Kentucky by encouraging more future dentists to serve the region and address critical oral healthcare needs." TCDM recently welcomed its inaugural class and is dedicated to preparing practice-ready dentists committed to serving rural and underserved populations. The new scholarship program further advances that mission by creating opportunities for students with strong ties to Kentucky and encouraging them to build their careers within the state.
Joey Waddell named CEO of Whitesburg ARH Hospital. WHITESBURG, Ky. (WXKQ) - Appalachian Regional Healthcare has named Joey Waddell as the new Chief Executive Officer of Whitesburg ARH Hospital. Waddell brings more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience and most recently served as chief operating officer at Highlands Regional Medical Center. A native of Eastern Kentucky and U.S. Army veteran, Waddell has held leadership positions in Kentucky and Indiana and says he looks forward to leading the hospital while continuing to improve healthcare services for the people of Central Appalachia.
ARH earns 2026 Platinum Bell Seal for workplace mental health. * Special to Appalachian Newspapers * 6 hrs ago * Comments Appalachian Regional Healthcare announced in a statement it has been awarded the 2026 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, a national recognition honoring U.S. employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. ARH, the statement said, has been awarded the Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health - the highest level awarded - for its dedication to overall employee wellness, mental health, and a supportive workplace culture. The Bell Seal is issued by Mental Health America, the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being and prevention. The statement said the recognition highlights ARH's ongoing commitment to supporting the health and well-being of its employees across the communities it serves. "At ARH, supporting the mental health and well-being of our employees is an essential part of caring for the people who care for our communities," said Sonya Bergman, ARH chief people officer. "This recognition reflects our continued commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and equipped to do their best work." The statement said ARH was evaluated on its policies and practices in four key areas: culture, benefits, compliance and wellness programs. These areas reflect the importance of a comprehensive approach to workplace mental health, including supportive resources, employee-centered policies and a culture that recognizes the connection between personal well-being and professional success. As part of that commitment, the statement said, ARH offers employees access to a broad range of mental health and wellness resources through a dedicated wellness support program. These resources include confidential counseling and therapy services, employee assistance programs, digital well-being coaching, telehealth behavioral health options, crisis support, and personalized assistance connecting employees with local and organizational resources. By supporting employees through both personal and professional challenges, ARH continues to invest in the overall well-being of the workforce that serves communities across Central Appalachia, according to the statement. "As a healthcare organization, we understand the unique demands our employees face every day," Bergman said. "Providing strong support for their mental health and overall well-being is not only the right thing to do - it strengthens our ability to care for our patients and communities." Since 2019, Mental Health America has awarded the Bell Seal to hundreds of employers for supporting the mental health of more than 5.1 million employees, based on decades of research identifying best practices in workplace mental health, the statement said. "As a healthcare system serving communities across Central Appalachia, ARH remains committed to strengthening programs and practices that promote a healthy, respectful and supportive workplace," the statement said. To learn more about Mental Health America and the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, visit, mhanational.org/bestemployers.
ARH holds 2026 Nursing Awards Luncheon. * Special to Appalachian Newspapers * 4 hrs ago * Comments Compassion, strength, and dedication are just a few of the many positive qualities represented at Appalachian Regional Healthcare's second Nursing Awards Luncheon on May 6 at the Ramada Inn in Paintsville, according to a statement from ARH. The annual luncheon is part of ARH's recognition of Nurses' Week, which honors the important role nurses play in improving healthcare. The awards recognize nurses who show exceptional dedication and go the extra mile in patient care and leadership, the statement said. "Nursing is more than a profession. It is a calling that is rooted in compassion and service," said Paula Vaughan, ARH Division chief nursing officer. "Every day, our nurses are there for our patients during some of the most difficult times in their lives. They provide care, comfort, and so much more, and this event gives us a chance to celebrate our nurses and the tremendous impact they have on our communities." The awards celebrate nurses in a range of categories, representing their various roles across different hospitals throughout the communities. Presenters shared touching stories that highlighted the personal connections nurses build with patients and their families, the statement said. "Our nurses care for our families, friends and neighbors. They are true reflections of the spirit of Appalachia. Hardworking, compassionate, and deeply committed to helping others," said Beth Forman, ARH division chief nursing officer. The statement said the role and value of nurses are immeasurable. "They are the foundation of healthcare, providing clinical care, comfort and hope," the statement said. "Whether at hospital bedsides, in clinics, or in patients' homes, nurses form deep connections with patients and families during their most vulnerable moments." The 2026 Nursing Excellence Awards winners are: - Larry Jeffers, Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center, Ambulatory Care - Allison Conley, Highlands Regional Medical Center, Behavioral Health - Leslie Taylor, Highlands Regional Medical Center, Care Coordination (CM/UR) - Dolores Luke, Morgan County ARH Hospital, Clinical Quality & Safety - Amanda Carmical, Harlan ARH Hospital, Critical Care - Marlene Maynard, Paintsville ARH Hospital, Emergency - Chloe Johnson, McDowell ARH Hospital, Emerging Nurse Leader - Susie Prater, Hazard ARH Home Health Agency, Home Health - Katie Hammonds, Paintsville ARH Hospital, Infusion/Oncology - Christopher Leake, Middlesboro ARH Hospital, Interventional Radiology/Cath Lab - Carolyn Popp, Mary Breckinridge ARH Hospital, Licensed Practical Nurse - Eden Adams, Whitesburg ARH Hospital, Med-Surg - Thelma Pace, Harlan ARH Hospital, Nurse Director - Natasha Lafferty, Highlands Regional Medical Center, Nurse Educator - Crystal McGaffee, Paintsville ARH Hospital, Nurse Executive - Kathy Frasure, McDowell ARH Hospital, Nurse Legend - Carla Whitaker, Hazard Regional Medical Center, OB/L&D/NBN - Rebecca Wilder, Barbourville ARH Hospital, Operative/Surgical Services - Crystal Coots, Mary Breckinridge ARH Hospital, Patient Care Support - Ambulatory - Melanie Jackson, Barbourville ARH Hospital, Patient Care Support - Hospital - Kelli Bledsoe, Harlan ARH Hospital, Preceptor/Mentor - Kylie Nelson, Beckley Regional Medical Center, Rising Star Highlands Regional Medical Center ICU, Team Excellence Newsletters. Headlines. Would like to receive its headline alerts? Signup today!
Appalachian health system sues EKY county over $3M in unpaid psychiatric care. April 9, 2026 12:17 PM Gift Article An Appalachian regional nonprofit health system is suing one Eastern Kentucky county for more than $3 million in unpaid psychiatric medical care it says it provided inmates at the county jail dating back nearly five years. Appalachian Regional Healthcare, headquartered in Hazard and operating 14 hospitals across Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia, filed suit against Pike County and Jailer Brian Morris in December. Summons in the dispute were delayed until earlier this month. The regional health care chain claims Pike County and the jail breached an implied contract and received unjust enrichment by failing to pay a total of 93 inpatient psychiatric medical bills from March 2021 to September 2025. The company says the Pike County Detention Center has paid previous invoices, which established an agreement through the dealings and is enforceable as a contract under Kentucky law. Despite repeated demands, ARH says the county has refused to pay the remaining balances, however. Morris said he has not yet had an opportunity to investigate the claims, but he believes the individuals who were treated by ARH professionals were no longer in custody nor prisoners at that time. That was communicated to the company before it initiated the lawsuit, he said. "To date, it is my understanding that we have received no proof of these claims outside of a demand for payment by ARH," he said. "I am also not sure at this time if ARH ever attempted to properly bill these individuals' health insurance providers prior to making these claims." Under Kentucky law, "the cost of providing necessary medical, dental, and psychological care for indigent prisoners in the jail shall be paid from the jail budget." Inmates are not to be considered medically indigent if they are actively covered by a medical insurance policy. Morris said he is investigating the matter because the detention center hasn't paid ARH for other treatment during or after the 2021-25 period for which the company claims the county is delinquent. "I cannot justify or support the payment of Pike County citizens' tax dollars to ARH or any other entity without some proof being provided that these monies are rightly owed," he said. ARH did not immediately respond to a Herald-Leader request for comment Thursday. Morris, a former Pike County deputy judge-executive, is in a tight primary race to decide who replaces Judge-Executive Ray Jones in 2027. Appointed jailer in late 2017 after former Jailer Freddie Lewis resigned, Morris won a crowded Democratic primary in 2018 and secured the post for another four years in that year's general election. In 2022, he ran unopposed. Late last year, Morris dropped out of his third Pike County jailer race to run for judge-executive as a Republican shortly after Pike County Schools Superintendent Reed Adkins exited the race. Morris faces attorney Suzy Gibson Shearer, who is also a Republican. April 9, 2026 5:30 AM Politics & Government April 6, 2026 12:32 PM Lexington Herald-Leader Austin R. Ramsey covers Kentucky's eastern Appalachian region and environmental stories across the commonwealth. A native Kentuckian, he has had stints as a local government reporter in the state's western coalfields and a regulatory reporter in Washington, D.C. He is most at home outdoors.