SHELTON, WA – Mason Health is proud to recognize Breanna Salazar, CNA, in the Medical-Surgical-Pediatrics Unit at Mason General Hospital, as the Employee of the Month for June 2025. Salazar’s compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to patient care and sharing her knowledge with new hires have made her a standout member of the Mason Health team.

A lifelong Shelton resident, Salazar began her journey at Mason General Hospital four years ago, starting in Registration shortly after graduating from Shelton High School in 2021. While completing her nursing prerequisites at South Puget Sound Community College, she earned her CNA license in the summer of 2023 and transitioned into her current role in the Med-Surg-Peds Unit.

Salazar’s nominator, House Supervisor Morning McLay, noticed that Salazar exhibited exceptional care for a deceased patient, demonstrating those efforts to a new hire at the same time. 

“Breanna hit it out of the park,” McLay said. “Not only did she do an amazing job, but during the process she explained to the new hire how important it was for the deceased to look as good as possible for the family. The impact Breanna has left on the new hire will shape their future in a wildly positive way, and the impact that her care will have on the patient’s loved ones is immeasurable, even if they aren’t directly aware of it. What a beautiful little ripple in the cosmos.” 

Although her initial path was toward nursing, Salazar recently made the thoughtful decision to pursue a degree in criminal justice at the University of Washington this fall. Inspired by her mother’s journey through the justice system and recent graduation from law school, Salazar is passionate about becoming an advocate for others navigating similar challenges. 

“I want to help people in a different way now,” she shared. “I’ve always had the drive to support others — whether medically or emotionally — and I want to be the light at the end of the tunnel for those who need it most.”

Despite her academic shift, Salazar remains committed to Mason Health and will continue working while commuting to UW. Her deep roots in the community and strong connection to the hospital make Mason Health feel like home. 

“There’s something so beautiful about being in a small, communal area,” she said. “The staff here is incredible — it feels natural and safe.”

Outside of work, Salazar enjoys reading, spending time with her family, including her parents, partner and baby cousin, and exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. A former high school athlete and summer soccer coach, she values staying active and connected to her community.

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County is ISO 9001 Quality Management System certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. The Board of Hospital District Commissioners are Don Welander, President, Darrin Moody, Secretary, and Lori Brady, Trustee. Mason General Hospital and Mason Clinic are ENERGY STAR® certified and Mason Health is the recipient of one Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Award, three Partner for Change Awards, two Greening the Operating Room Awards, the Making Medicine Mercury Free Award and the 2025 Emerald Award. To learn more about Mason Health’s sustainability efforts, visit our website at www.masonhealth.com. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information or to find a health care provider, visit www.masonhealth.com. To learn more about DNV, visit www.dnv.com/healthcare.