CNA - Discharge Ready Unit

Salem Health; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem Health in Salem, Oregon, is seeking a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for the Discharge Ready Unit (DRU) to support patients preparing for discharge. The role involves 7:00 pm–7:30 am, with 12-hour shifts, on a full-time 36 hours/week schedule in a non-exempt capacity.

The DRU focuses on medically cleared patients awaiting placement in long-term care, outpatient dialysis, or hospice services. The CNA will work closely with nurses and case management to ensure smooth transitions and

Qualifications

• Oregon CNA license is required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility).
• Monitor and record vital signs, report changes to the nursing team.
• Support nurses and healthcare staff in delivering 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 with patients, families, and team members.
• Help ensure patient dignity, comfort, and safety at all times.

Education

Oregon CNA license

BLS certification

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 pm – 7:30 am, 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.
This is an ideal setting for those who value holistic care, continuity, and the opportunity to contribute to a smooth discharge process that supports both patients and their families.

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].