CNA - Discharge Ready Unit

Salem Health Hospitals and clinics; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics in Salem, Oregon seeks a Certified Nursing Assistant to join the Discharge Ready Unit. You will assist with daily living activities, monitor vital signs, and support nurses to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care during transitions.

This role offers 12-hour shifts, a full-time schedule, and opportunities to collaborate with case management and social work to coordinate timely discharges and safe placement for patients.

Qualifications

• Licensed in the State of Oregon to practice as a CNA.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Experience in an acute care setting is preferred.
• Ability to work tactfully and effectively with physicians, nurses, and other hospital staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility.
• Monitor and record vital signs, reporting changes to the nursing team.
• Support nurses and healthcare staff in delivering personalized, high-quality care.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and healing environment for patients and families.
• Provide emotional support and compassionate care during vulnerable moments.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with patients, families, and team members.
• Help ensure patient dignity, comfort, and safety at all times.

Skills

Compassionate care

Communication skills

Vital signs monitoring

Education

CNA certification (Oregon)

Job description

Location Site:Salem Hospital, 890 Oak Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Department:Discharge Ready Unit
Position Type: Full Time, 36 hours/weekly, Non-Exempt
Schedule:7:00 am – 7:30 pm, 12-hour shifts, variable scheduled days

Your role with us

As a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at Salem Health, you play a vital role in delivering compassionate, hands-on care during some of the most vulnerable moments in a patient's life. You’ll assist with daily living activities, monitor vital signs, and collaborate closely with nurses and providers to ensure safe, personalized care. Your empathy, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help create a healing environment and build meaningful connections with patients and families.

The Discharge Ready Unit (DRU) at Salem Health provides care for a unique and stable patient population who are medically cleared for discharge but are awaiting placement in long-term care facilities, outpatient dialysis, or hospice services. This unit offers CNAs and nursing staff the opportunity to support patients in a transitional phase of care, focusing on comfort, dignity, and coordination.

Working in the Discharge Ready Unit (DRU) allows CNAs to develop strong communication and organizational skills while collaborating closely with case management, social work, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless transitions. The environment is structured yet dynamic, offering a meaningful and patient-centered experience where your attention to detail and compassionate care make a lasting impact.

What you’ll do

• Assist patients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility.
• Monitor and record vital signs, reporting changes to the nursing team.
• Support nurses and healthcare staff in delivering personalized, high-quality care.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and healing environment for patients and families.
• Provide emotional support and compassionate care during vulnerable moments.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with patients, families, and team members.
• Help ensure patient dignity, comfort, and safety at all times.

Required qualifications

• Licensed in the State of Oregon to practice as a CNA.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS).

Additional information

• Successful candidate will have experience in an acute care setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work tactfullyand effectively with physicians, nurses, and other hospital employees.

Total rewards package

Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations, and professional growth. Click here for details.

Why Salem Health?

Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award-winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high-quality care.

We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you’ll find more than a job, you’ll find purpose, connection, and room to thrive.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].