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Entry Level Operating Room Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Focus Staff

Travel Operating Room Nurse

Lafayette, CO · On-site

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 07/27/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room Nurse ...

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Entry Level Operating Room Nurse information

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$16

$45

$82

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

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level operating room nurse in the United States is $45.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.82 and $48.80 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 cities are hiring for Entry Level Operating Room Nurse jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Operating Room Nurse job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room Nurse jobs? The most popular types of Operating Room Nurse jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Operating Room Nurse jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Operating Room Nurse jobs include:
Entry Level Operating Room Nurse jobs near you

Operating Room Nurse

Bailey Square Surgical Center

Cedar Park, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

As a Operating Room Nurse, your voice to influence patient care is valued and empowered at every turn –whether through open, collaborative relationships with your direct manager or more formal opportunities through hospital councils and national nursing initiatives. You'll help shape decisions that elevate both patient outcomes and the future of nursing.

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 surgeons 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
  • PALS is preferred, but may be required at some facilities
  • CNOR certification preferred
Benefits

Bailey Square Surgical 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

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

"Nurses are essential to the delivery of healthcare and serve as its foundation. At HCA Healthcare, we are committed to equipping nurses with the tools and resources they need to deliver exceptional patient care, championing the profession, and supporting the advancement of nursing’s future."

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

Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive

HCA Healthcare

Bailey Square Surgery Center is the states’ first freestanding ambulatory surgery center. BaileySquare Surgery Center was founded in 1973. We have led the way in developing a safe, high-qualitysubstitute to in-patient hospitalization. The center has eleven operating rooms. Weprovide ENT, GYN, Ophthalmology,Dental, Orthopedic, Plastics, Colorectal, Endoscopy, and Podiatry services. Ourparent company is HCA Healthcare. We provide excellent care daily to every patient with a spirit of warmth, friendliness andpersonal pride.

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

If this opportunity is your next step in your career path, we encourage you to apply for our Operating Room Nurse opening. We review all applications. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a member of our team. We are interviewing, apply today!

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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