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Entry Level Operating Room Nurse Jobs in California

Amergis Healthcare Staffing

RN OR

French Camp, CA

Amergis Healthcare Staffing is seeking an Operating Room Nurse responsible for scrubbing and/or circulating duties for operative procedures; department admissions to the operative suite. He/She is ...

Care Career

Travel Operating Room RN

Clearlake, CA · On-site

Care Career is seeking a travel nurse RN OR - Operating Room for a travel nursing job in Clearlake, California. & Requirements * Specialty: OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/21 ...

Focus Staff

Travel OR RN

Torrance, CA · On-site

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/28/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room Nurse ...

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Focus Staff

Travel OR RN

San Francisco, CA · On-site

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 10/05/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 10 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room Nurse ...

Focus Staff

Travel Surgery RN

Redding, CA · On-site

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/28/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room Nurse ...

Focus Staff

Travel OR RN - $2,485 per week

Torrance, CA · On-site

$2.4K/wk

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/28/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room Nurse ...

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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 Sep 5, 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 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 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 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.

Travel Nurse RN - OR - Operating Room

Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc.

Torrance, CA • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc. is seeking a travel nurse RN OR - Operating Room for a travel nursing job in Torrance, California.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: OR - Operating Room
  • Discipline: RN
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours
  • Employment Type: Travel

Amergis Healthcare Staffing is seeking an Operating Room Nurse responsible for scrubbing and/or circulating duties for operative procedures; department admissions to the operative suite.  He/She is responsible to the Nurse Manager and is directly supervised by the RN in the operating rooms to which he/she is assigned.
Minimum Requirements:

  • Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state in which he/she practices
  • Documentation and confirmation of one year of operating room clinical experience in an acute care hospital within the last three years preferred
  • Current BLS card.
  • Current Health Certificate (if applicable)
  • Current PPD or Chest X-Ray
Benefits At Amergis, we firmly believe that our employees are the heartbeat of our organization and we are happy to offer the following benefits:
  • Competitive pay & weekly paychecks
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Awards and recognition programs 
*Benefit eligibility is dependent on employment status. 
About Amergis Amergis, formerly known as Maxim Healthcare Staffing, has served our clients and communities by connecting people to the work that matters since 1988. We provide meaningful opportunities to our extensive network of healthcare and school-based professionals, ready to work in any hospital, government facility, or school. Through partnership and innovation, Amergis creates unmatched staffing experiences to deliver the best workforce solutions.  
Amergis is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc. Job ID #1199971. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: OR Registered Nurse (RN)

About Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc.

Amergis, formerly known as Maxim Healthcare Staffing, has served our clients and communities by connecting people to the work that matters since 1988. We provide meaningful opportunities to our extensive network of healthcare and school-based professionals, ready to work in any hospital, government facility, or school. Through partnership and innovation, Amergis creates unmatched staffing experiences to deliver the best workforce solutions.

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