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Circulating Nurse Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Provide information to the circulating nurse and operating room purchasing department on implants and disposal items used during the ifuse procedure * In the event of potential non-compliance with ...

OR Circulator Staff Nurse

NC ยท On-site

$34 - $54/hr

OR Circulator Staff Nurse - Full-Time Position We're seeking a dedicated and experienced Registered ... Minimum 1-2 years of circulating experience in an OR setting; orthopaedic surgery experience ...

Showing results 21-40

Circulating Nurse information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$28

$43

$67

How much do circulating nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulating nurse in Raleigh, NC is $43.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.02 and $55.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Circulating Nurse vs Scrub Nurse?

AspectCirculating NurseScrub Nurse
CredentialsRN license, perioperative trainingRN license, perioperative training
Work EnvironmentOperating room, overseeing proceduresOperating room, assisting directly in surgery
RoleManages patient care, supplies, and documentationPrepares sterile instruments, assists surgeon directly

Both roles are vital in the operating room and require RN licensure with perioperative training. The circulating nurse oversees patient safety and supplies, while the scrub nurse focuses on sterile instrument handling. Understanding these differences helps clarify their distinct responsibilities during surgery.

What is a circulating nurse?

Circulating nurses are registered nurses who work in operating rooms, where they manage the overall environment and ensure that surgical procedures run smoothly. Unlike scrub nurses who work within the sterile field, circulating nurses remain outside the sterile area, coordinating care, handling supplies, maintaining documentation, and acting as a liaison between the surgical team and other hospital staff. Their responsibilities include patient assessment, ensuring equipment is available and functioning, and advocating for patient safety throughout surgery. They play a crucial role in infection control and making sure all protocols are followed. Circulating nurses are essential to the surgical team's efficiency and the patient's safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a circulating nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Circulating Nurse, you need a solid nursing background with a current RN license, strong knowledge of surgical procedures, and operating room protocols. Familiarity with perioperative documentation systems and safety checklists, as well as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications, is crucial. Excellent communication, organization, and critical thinking skills help Circulating Nurses coordinate surgical teams and respond to dynamic situations. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and adherence to strict sterile procedures in the operating room.

How does a circulating nurse typically collaborate with the surgical team during procedures?

A Circulating Nurse plays a critical role in supporting the surgical team by acting as the primary liaison between the sterile field and the rest of the operating room. They ensure that all surgical instruments, supplies, and documentation are readily available, and they coordinate communication among surgeons, scrub nurses, and anesthesia providers. This collaboration helps maintain patient safety, workflow efficiency, and adherence to protocols throughout the procedure. Effective teamwork and strong communication skills are essential for success in this role.

Do circulating nurses make more?

Circulating nurses' salaries vary based on experience, location, and healthcare facility, but they generally earn competitive wages within the nursing field. Salaries tend to be higher in urban areas and for those with specialized certifications or advanced skills. Overall, circulating nurses can earn a median annual salary that reflects their critical role in surgical teams.
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Circulating Nurse jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Circulating Nurse job openings:
Infographic showing various Circulating Nurse job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,966 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Full-Time Registered Nurse

HKB COSMETIC SURGERY

Chapel Hill, NC โ€ข On-site

$35/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time Registered Nurse to join our upscale plastic surgery center! We offer competitive pay, health benefits, paid time off, and other wonderful benefits.

A bit about the position: We have a need for a full-time RN to help with OR accreditation, pre-op, post-surgery patient recovery, and circulating during cases in the OR. Depending on the surgery schedule for the day the hours could be from 6:30 am - 6:00 pm, around 32 hours per week Monday - Thursday.

This position would promote and restore patients' health for H/K/B patients by completing the nursing process; collaborating with physicians and multidisciplinary team members; providing physical and psychological support to patients, friends, and families.

What you can expect in the role:

  • Preparing the operating room with necessary equipment for surgical cases
  • Preparing and administering medications
  • Assisting Anesthesia providers as needed
  • Preparing patients for surgery by cleaning and disinfecting areas to be operated on
  • Remaining in the room to assist with any needs
  • Intraoperative charting
  • Stocking operating rooms with sterile surgical equipment, linens, and supplies
  • Developing and implementing nursing care plans for surgical patients
  • Identifies patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with potential and actual patients and other persons in a position to understand care requirements.
  • Establishes a compassionate environment by providing emotional, psychological, and spiritual support to patients, friends, and families.
  • Promotes patient's independence by establishing patient care goals; teaching patient, friends, and family to understand condition, medications, and self-care skills; answering questions.
  • Resolves patient problems and needs
  • Must be able to respond quickly to changes in patient and/or unit conditions.
  • Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations; calling for assistance from health care support personnel.
  • Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations.

What we are looking for in a candidate:

  • At least 2 years of PACU/recovery and OR circulating experience.
  • Associates degree required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Current RN license, BLS, and ACLS certifications required.
  • Industry experience a plus.