Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Adult Acute Care
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Department Overview
Oregon Health & Science University is Oregon’s #1 hospital. The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is part of the health care team in locations throughout OHSU. The CNA provides direct or general nursing care to patients from admission through discharge under the direction of a licensed nurse and within the parameters of the state licensing board. The CNA assists the patient, patients' families, nursing staff and other support staff to assure the delivery of safe, quality care in alignment with the mission and vision of Doernbecher Children's Hospital and OHSU.
Wage Range: $21.81 - $29.09 per hour
Night Shift Differential: 12.5% of base rate ($2.65 minimum)
Schedules: Most of our full-time positions for CNA's are 12 hour shifts on 3 days per week, including every other weekend.
Function/Duties of Position
- Assist with the admitting and discharge
- Obtain accurate vital signs and weight
- Complete all unit specific CNA documentation in the patient’s medical record related to: admissions, daily care, vital signs, weight, intake and output, discharge, etc.
- Assist the patient with any and all basic hygiene, lifting, transport, dietary support, and other personal needs and medical necessities
- Support patient and family centered care
- Report potential compliance problems as outlined in the Code of Conduct
- Model ethical and appropriate behavior, professional standards, compliance, and personal integrity
- Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation
Current Part-Time openings:
- General Surgery - 1 0.75FTE night shift opening
- Trauma - 1 0.75FTE day shift opening
Current Full-Time day shift openings:
- Float Pool - 1 0.9FTE opening
- Orthopedics & Spine - 1 0.9FTE opening
Current Full-Time night shift openings:
- Transplant/Urology/Plastic Surgery - 1 0.9FTE opening
- Float Pool - 1 0.9FTE opening
- ED Observation - 1 0.9FTE Sun/Mon/Tues nights opening
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- Oregon CNA1 Certification at time of hire
- BLS required at time of hire, issued by the American Heart Association (AHA)
Additional Details
Benefits:
- Two raises per year – One at anniversary date and one across the board annual increase
- Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
- Night Shift Differential
- Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
- Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
- Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
- 8 paid holidays per year
- Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
- Additional Programs including: Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.
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Frequently asked questions
Portland's healthcare sector shows steady demand for CNAs, especially in acute care settings. With multiple hospitals and aging populations, CNAs face moderate competition but benefit from diverse opportunities, including night shifts, float pools, and specialty units at institutions like Oregon Health & Science University.
Oregon requires CNA1 certification along with BLS from the American Heart Association for adult acute care CNAs. These credentials ensure compliance with state regulations and equip assistants to handle vital tasks safely, meeting both licensing standards and employer expectations like those at OHSU.
Adult acute care CNAs focus on patients with immediate and severe health needs, often in hospital settings like general surgery or trauma units. This role demands quick adaptability, precise vital sign monitoring, and collaboration under licensed nurse supervision, contrasting with long-term care or outpatient CNA positions.
Most full-time CNA roles at OHSU involve 12-hour shifts three days per week, including every other weekend. This schedule supports work-life balance while covering critical care areas, with options for both day and night shifts, plus night differentials enhancing compensation.
OHSU offers above-market pension plans, biannual raises, and comprehensive health coverage even for dependents. Additionally, tuition reimbursement and employee assistance programs create a supportive environment that fosters professional growth beyond standard CNA duties.
CNAs at OHSU actively support patients and their families by assisting with hygiene, comfort, and medical needs, ensuring an empathetic approach. This holistic care aligns with Doernbecher Children's Hospital's mission, emphasizing emotional support alongside clinical responsibilities.
Certified Nursing Assistants at OHSU can anticipate hourly wages between $21.81 and $29.09, complemented by a 12.5% night shift differential. This competitive pay reflects Portland's cost of living and the specialized nature of adult acute care nursing assistance.
Portland's diverse population requires CNAs to be culturally competent, adapting care approaches to varied backgrounds. OHSU emphasizes inclusivity and equal opportunity, encouraging CNAs to foster respectful communication and culturally sensitive patient interactions.
Possessing BLS certification at hire is mandatory, but demonstrating strong ethical behavior, compliance knowledge, and the ability to perform essential functions with or without accommodation can distinguish candidates. Familiarity with acute care protocols is also advantageous.
CNAs meticulously record vital signs, weights, intake/output, and other care details in patient medical records, ensuring data accuracy for clinical decisions. This documentation supports smooth patient admissions and discharges, vital for maintaining high-quality acute care standards.