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Entry Level Operating Room Nurse Jobs in Kentucky

Mission Hospital

Operating Room Nurse

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$36.25 - $49.50/hr

... Operating Room * Rounding with unit leaders, including charge nurses, to ensure your voice is heard on suggestions for patient care and surgical workflow improvement * On-call is required during ...

Garnet Health Medical Center

$102 - $128/hr

Responsibilities The Operating Room Nurse Manager is responsible for the coordination of patient care and patient flow in the Operating Room. He/she consults with staff, physicians, anesthesia ...

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Entry Level Operating Room Nurse information

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$14

$39

$71

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

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level operating room nurse in Kentucky is $39.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.11 and $42.40 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 Kentucky?

The most popular types of Operating Room Nurse jobs in Kentucky are:

Entry Level Operating Room Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room Nurse job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,139 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Operating Room Nurse

Los Robles Regional Medical Center

Bowling Green, KY • On-site

$36.25 - $49.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Operating Room Nurse

Stroke response times nearly half of the national average. Cutting-edge SPOT Technology that detects sepsis earlier than the human eye. An Enhanced Surgical Recovery program that reduces opioid prescriptions and post-surgical readmissions. As a national learning health system, we're transforming care delivery, advancing clinical outcomes, and empowering our nursing teams in a collaborative effort to give people a healthier tomorrow. Join us!

Position Details:

  • Self/preferential scheduling posted four weeks in advance for you to have predictability in your schedule
  • Culture of mutual respect and collaboration among all surgical staff
  • Continuous investment in equipment including surgical instruments, devices and patient positioning for you to do your best work with patient safety and workflow efficiency in the Operating Room
  • Rounding with unit leaders, including charge nurses, to ensure your voice is heard on suggestions for patient care and surgical workflow improvement
  • On-call is required during select non-business hours

What You Will Do In This Role:

  • Evaluate patients prior to surgery
  • Provide patient and family education surrounding the procedure and peri-operative process
  • Assume responsibility for patient preparation, including intravenous therapy, preoperative medications, and surgical site verification
  • Participate in surgical site verification, including briefing, time out, debriefing, and universal protocols, according to hospital policy
  • Recognize and respond to patient emergencies
  • Deliver high-quality, patient-centered care while managing evidence-based practices and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Be an integral member of a dynamic interdisciplinary team – consisting of the provider(s), surgeons, surgical technologists and more
  • Consistently apply the nursing process, critical thinking skills, scientific judgment, technical skills and leadership to independently deliver safe nursing care to patients
  • Assess patient condition, monitor throughout your shift, and document changes in patient condition along with the care provided thoroughly
  • Educate patients and families/caregivers about the patient's medical condition, treatment and follow-up measures

What Qualifications You Will Need:

  • Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date
  • (RN) Registered Nurse
  • Associate Degree
  • OR Circulating Experience REQUIRED!

TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital, 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

TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital is a 200+ bed facility serving Southern Kentucky and surrounding areas. Recognized by the Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures®, TriStar Greenview is a national leader in providing quality healthcare. Home of Kentucky’s first CardioMEMS HF System, we are also an accredited chest pain center that provides state-of-the-art cardiac care to patients managing heart failure. The facility is also a Certified Primary Stroke Center.

"The great hospitals will always put the patient and the patients family first, and the really great institutions will provide care with warmth, compassion, and dignity for the individual."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr. HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

Join a family that cares about every stage in your career! We are interviewing candidates for our Operating Room Nurse opening. Apply today and a member of our Talent Acquisition team will reach out.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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