Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Surgical Specialties
Company : Legacy Health
Location : Portland, OR, 97227-1623
Job Type : Part Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Overview
The nursing philosophy at Legacy focuses on our patients and their families. Everything we do centers around them. At Legacy, you will be part of an interprofessional team focused on one goal: making life better for our patients and the community. If you believe this is an environment in which you would thrive, we invite you to consider this opportunity as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in North Portland plays a vital role as a local and regional leader in serious clinical illness or injury. With around-the-clock expertise for critical health issues, including experts in trauma, heart care, burns, significant wounds, stroke, brain surgery and more, Legacy Emanuel is central to the health of our community and critical to the care of the Northwest.
Responsibilities
- Provides care delegated and supervised by a registered nurse to meet the needs of clients determined by condition, development and age.
- Participates in the development and implementation of the plan of care as delegated.
- Organizes and adapts plan of care with consideration for patient/client’s needs, desires and routines.
- Demonstrates awareness and reinforces priorities in the plan of care.
- Encourages self-care and independence as appropriate as defined by Department Specific Addendum.
- Identifies normal and abnormal mental function and demonstrates skills for addressing the needs and behaviors of the cognitively impaired.
- Cares for and maintains client’s environment by avoiding environmental hazards, using restraints properly, and consistently using infection control procedures and barriers.
- Recognizes abnormal signs and symptoms of common disease conditions and communicates accurately and with timeliness.
- Provides and maintains basic nutrition and oral fluid intake.
- Recognizes emergencies and responds demonstrating knowledge of emergency procedures.
- Completes documentation according to guidelines.
Licensure
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license required.
- BLS for Provider certification from the American Heart Association required.
Pay Range
USD $20.95 - USD $28.37 /Hr.Our Commitment to Health and Equal Opportunity
Our Legacy is good for health for Our People, Our Patients, Our Communities, Our World. Above all, we will do the right thing.
If you are passionate about our mission and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply—even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can grow and succeed.
Legacy Health is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion or creed, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
To learn more about our employee benefits click here: www.legacyhealth.org/For-Health-Professionals/careers/benefiting-you
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Frequently asked questions
Portland's medical facilities, including Legacy Health, have a steady need for CNAs with surgical specialty skills. The city's aging population and advanced surgical centers increase demand, but competition is moderate, rewarding candidates with updated certifications and hands-on surgical experience.
While a standard CNA license is essential, additional training in surgical nursing assistance or trauma care, recognized by Oregon health boards, can boost employability in Portland. Legacy Health particularly values BLS certification from the American Heart Association for surgical CNAs.
Surgical CNAs assist with pre- and post-operative patient care, emphasizing sterile environments and recognizing surgical complications early. They collaborate closely with surgical nurses and RNs, adapting care plans for recovery and rehabilitation specific to surgical patients.
Surgical CNAs often gain specialized skills that open doors to advanced roles like surgical technologist or RN. Their exposure to complex procedures and critical care environments at places like Legacy Health provides a competitive edge for upward mobility in surgical nursing.
Daily duties include monitoring vital signs, assisting with wound care, supporting patient mobility post-surgery, and ensuring strict adherence to infection control, all under RN supervision. Surgical CNAs also document care details meticulously to assist clinical teams.
Legacy Health emphasizes interdisciplinary teamwork and patient-centered care, giving their CNAs in surgical specialties a dynamic role in trauma and critical care units. The environment encourages skill growth and active participation in complex surgical patient management.
Absolutely, Legacy Emanuel is known for handling serious clinical illnesses and injuries, including trauma and brain surgery. CNAs here engage with high-acuity surgical patients, gaining valuable experience that surpasses typical hospital settings in Portland.
Certified Nursing Assistants at Legacy Health earn between $20.95 and $28.37 per hour, reflecting the specialized surgical skills required and the cost of living in Portland. This pay scale is competitive within the regional healthcare job market.
At Legacy Health, CNAs collaborate closely with RNs by executing delegated tasks, monitoring patient conditions, and adapting care plans. This partnership ensures seamless support for surgical patients, enhancing recovery outcomes in a high-stakes hospital environment.
Many CNAs leverage surgical experience to become medical assistants or pursue nursing degrees locally. Portland's healthcare education programs support career advancement, and Legacy Health's environment provides practical exposure to assist such transitions effectively.