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Circulating Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Medical talent

OR - Circulating

Bullhead City, AZ · On-site

Travel RN - Circulating Join the Medical Talent Team! Join our dynamic team and embark on a rewarding journey with us! We are Joint Commission certified and known for our commitment to excellence and ...

FirstHealth of the Carolinas

OR Circulating Nurse

Pinehurst, NC · On-site

$30.25 - $41.25/hr

Must be an effective team-oriented nurse, assisting and mentoring others to facilitate patient and/or customer satisfaction. Able to identify appropriate staffing, supply, maintenance, and equipment ...

Summit Surgical

OR Circulating Nurse PRN

Hutchinson, KS · On-site

Maintains policy and procedures in relation to hospital/ clinic regulations Specific Nursing Roles at Summit Surgical OR Circulating Registered Nurse * Position Summary: Addresses and promotes the ...

Summit Surgical

OR Circulating Nurse PRN

Hutchinson, KS · On-site

Maintains policy and procedures in relation to hospital/ clinic regulations Specific Nursing Roles at Summit Surgical OR Circulating Registered Nurse * Position Summary: Addresses and promotes the ...

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How much do circulating nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for circulating nurse in the United States is $44.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.93 and $56.73 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.

How to make an extra 2000 a month as a nurse?

Circulating nurses can increase their income by taking on per diem or overtime shifts, which often pay higher rates. They can also pursue specialized certifications, such as perioperative or surgical nursing, to qualify for higher-paying roles or freelance opportunities like surgical assisting or teaching. Building skills in high-demand areas and working flexible hours can help achieve an additional $2000 monthly income.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

A circulating nurse can earn $300,000 by gaining extensive experience, pursuing advanced certifications, and working in high-paying settings such as specialized surgical units or traveling assignments. Increasing hours, taking on leadership roles, or obtaining advanced degrees like a nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner can also boost earning potential.

What does a circulating nurse do?

A circulating nurse is an integral part of the surgical team responsible for managing the operating room environment, ensuring patient safety, and providing necessary supplies and equipment during surgery. They document procedures, assist with patient positioning, and coordinate communication among team members, often working in shifts that cover extended hours. Certification as a perioperative nurse (CNOR) and knowledge of sterile techniques are typically required.

What Does a Circulating Nurse Do?

A circulating nurse works inside the operating room as a patient advocate. As the circulating nurse, your responsibilities are to ensure the operative procedures have the patient's best interest in mind. You perform your duties outside of the sterile area in the operating room. You work in collaboration with the anesthesiologist, surgeon, and surgical assistants to create a comfortable and safe environment for the patient. You are also responsible for charting the surgical events and keeping an inventory of supplies and equipment used for the procedure.

What are circulating nurses and what do they do?

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 increase with certifications, such as CNOR, and years of experience. Overall, they earn more than many entry-level nursing roles but less than specialized surgical nurses or nurse anesthetists.
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Circulating Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Circulating Nurse job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 9% Temporary, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $92,550 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
Full-time OR Circulating Nurse

Full-time OR Circulating Nurse

H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery

Huntersville, NC • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Or Circulating Registered Nurse

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time or circulating registered nurse to join our upscale plastic surgery center!

A bit about the position: Promotes and restores 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. Shifts will vary between 6am-3pm, 7am-4pm, and 8am-6pm, 4 days a week.

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.
  • Prepare patients for surgery in the pre-operative setting.
  • Assist in the recovery of patients post surgery.

What we are looking for in a candidate:

  • At least 2 years of OR experience
  • Associates degree required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Current RN license, BLS, and ACLS certifications required.
  • Plastic surgery experience preferred.
  • Must be able to lift 50+ pounds.

Apply