| Aspect | Contract Operating Room Graduate Nurse Residency | Operating Room Nurse |
|---|
| Credentials | Registered Nurse (RN) license, possibly new graduate | RN license, experience varies |
| Work Environment | Temporary, hospital operating rooms during residency | Permanent or long-term hospital OR setting |
| Purpose | Structured training program for new grads | Patient care and surgical support |
The Contract Operating Room Graduate Nurse Residency is a temporary, structured program designed for new nursing graduates to gain specialized OR experience. In contrast, an Operating Room Nurse is a permanent staff member providing ongoing surgical patient care. The residency focuses on training, while the OR Nurse role emphasizes independent practice.