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Entry Level Operating Room Nurse Jobs in California

Centerpoint Medical Center

Operating Room Nurse

Los Gatos, CA ยท On-site

$43.50 - $59.25/hr

Operating Room Nurse Ready for a role that supports your unique calling in patient care and fits your life? At Silicon Valley Surgery Center, you'll find clear pathways to advance backed by our ...

Mission Hospital

Operating Room Nurse

Newbury Park, CA ยท On-site

$46.77 - $66.49/hr

Operating Room Nurse Hourly Wage Estimate: $46.77 - $66.49 / hour Learn more about the benefits offered for this job. The estimate displayed represents the typical wage range of candidates hired.

Orthopaedic Hospital

Operating Room Nurse

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$40.25 - $54.75/hr

SUMMARY The Operating Room RN assists in the daily function of the operating room in accordance with established federal, state and accreditation standards and facility policies and procedures.

Ventura

Circulating Operating Room Nurse

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

$200/hr

The Circulating Operating Room Nurse is distinguished from other nursing classifications in that incumbents independently perform professional perioperative nursing work in the preoperative, ...

Mission Hospital

Operating Room Nurse

Los Gatos, CA ยท On-site

$71.50 - $98.32/hr

Job Summary and Qualifications We are seeking an Operating Room Nurse for our ambulatory surgery center who demonstrates the values of our company by caring like family. You will be an amazing ...

Mission Hospital

Operating Room Nurse

Thousand Oaks, CA ยท On-site

$46.77 - $66.49/hr

Job Summary and Qualifications We are seeking an Operating Room Nurse for our ambulatory surgery center who demonstrates the values of our company by caring like family. You will be an amazing ...

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Entry Level Operating Room Nurse information

See California salary details

$16

$44

$81

How much do entry level operating room nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level operating room nurse in California is $44.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.34 and $48.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level operating room nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Operating Room Nurse, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and basic patient care, supported by a nursing degree and active RN licensure. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic health records is typically required, and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is often expected. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills that set successful OR nurses apart. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and effective collaboration in a high-stakes environment.

What is an entry level operating room nurse?

An entry level operating room (OR) nurse is a registered nurse who is beginning their career in the surgical environment, assisting with operations and ensuring patient safety before, during, and after surgical procedures. These nurses typically work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical technologists as part of the surgical team. Their responsibilities may include preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, monitoring patients, and providing post-operative care. Entry level OR nurses usually receive specialized training or orientation in perioperative nursing to develop the skills needed for this fast-paced role.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level operating room nurses, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level operating room nurses often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced environment, mastering sterile techniques, and managing stress during high-pressure situations. Building strong communication skills and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues can help ease the transition. Participating in ongoing training and simulation exercises is also valuable for developing confidence and competence in surgical procedures. Being proactive in asking questions and embracing teamwork can lead to a smoother adjustment period and greater job satisfaction.

What is the difference between Entry Level Operating Room Nurse vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Operating Room NurseSurgical Technologist
CredentialsRN license, possibly CPR certificationPost-secondary certificate or diploma, CPR certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, assisting during surgeriesOperating rooms, assisting surgeons and nurses
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilitiesSurgical centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics

Entry Level Operating Room Nurses and Surgical Technologists both work in surgical settings, often in hospitals or clinics. While nurses hold an RN license and can provide patient care, surgical technologists assist during surgeries by preparing instruments and maintaining sterile environments. Both roles require certifications like CPR, but nurses typically have more extensive training and responsibilities. They often work together as part of the surgical team, ensuring smooth procedures and patient safety.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room Nurse jobs in California? The most popular types of Operating Room Nurse jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Operating Room Nurse jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Operating Room Nurse job openings:
Entry Level Operating Room Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room Nurse job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,335 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Operating Room Nurse

Centerpoint Medical Center

Los Gatos, CA โ€ข On-site

$43.50 - $59.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Operating Room Nurse

Ready for a role that supports your unique calling in patient care and fits your life? At Silicon Valley Surgery Center, you'll find clear pathways to advance backed by our unmatched nationwide transfer policy that lets you grow your career when the time is right for you. With mentorship opportunities, clinical education courses, professional certification support, and educational assistance, you will have all the resources you need to build the career of a lifetime.

Job Summary and Qualifications

We are seeking an Operating Room Nurse for our ambulatory surgery center who demonstrates the values of our company by caring like family. You will be an amazing addition to our team by contributing your expertise in the circulating or scrub role. You will ensure safe and effective nursing care until your patient is transferred from your care to recovery.

What you will do in this role:

  • Oversee the instrument and equipment set-up for your OR, including utilization of preference cards and ability to anticipate your surgeon's needs
  • Coordinate and oversee your room during a case as the circulator
  • You will facilitate effective and efficient transition between surgical procedures
  • Utilize appropriate body mechanics in moving your patients to stretchers and OR tables to prevent injury
  • Manage your patients care and medication, including assistance with anesthesia
  • Consistently review your charts for completeness, in accordance with documentation protocols prior to and after the surgical procedure

Qualifications you will need:

  • Graduate from an accredited school of professional nursing
  • Minimum 1 year of experience in an operating room setting, preferably in an ambulatory surgery center
  • Active RN license as required by state of employment or appropriate compact licensure
  • Valid BCLS Certification upon employment ***online certification not acceptable
  • ACLS as required by facility
  • CNOR certification preferred
Benefits

Silicon Valley Surgery Center offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career, and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
  • Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
  • Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
  • Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
  • Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
  • Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Silicon Valley Surgery Center is located southwest of San Jose, California. Our center is in the northeast corner of Highway 85 and Highway 17 interchange. Our AAAHC accredited center performs over 600 cases a month. Services in colon/rectal, general surgery, gastroenterology, GYN, orthopedic, ENT, podiatry, plastics and reconstructive procedures are provided. As a member of the HCA Healthcare Ambulatory Surgery Division, we follow our mission. Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companiesยฎ by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.

Erica Rossitto, MBA/HCM, BSN, RN, NEA-BC

Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive

HCA Healthcaret

Join a family that cares about every stage in your career! We are interviewing candidates for our Operating Room Nurse opening.

Apply