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Entry Level Operating Room Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$31K - $41K/yr

The Work: * Providespatient care under the direction and supervision of an RN or LPN. * ... We are excited to offer opportunities for entry level and experienced CNAs, nursing assistants and ...

$31K - $41K/yr

The Work: * Providespatient care under the direction and supervision of an RN or LPN. * ... We are excited to offer opportunities for entry level and experienced CNAs, nursing assistants and ...

Functions under the direction of the physician, physician's assistant, RN or LPN and Orthopedic ... Is an entry level position to broaden knowledge scope to prepare for certification and advancement ...

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Entry Level Operating Room information

See Virginia salary details

$570

$1.6K

$2.4K

How much do entry level operating room jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level operating room in Virginia is $1,643.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,300.00 and $2,001.92 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who gets paid more, RN or surgical tech?

Registered Nurses (RNs) generally earn higher salaries than surgical technologists due to their advanced education, licensing, and broader responsibilities in patient care. Surgical techs typically require less formal education and assist in the operating room under supervision, with lower average wages. Salary differences can vary based on location, experience, and healthcare facility.

Do you need experience to be an operating room assistant?

Entry-level operating room assistants typically do not need prior experience, as training is often provided on the job. However, having a background in healthcare, such as a certification in medical assisting or phlebotomy, can be beneficial. Strong communication skills and the ability to follow strict protocols are important in this role.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Entry-level operating room jobs typically do not pay $2,000 a day; such high daily rates are usually associated with highly specialized or senior medical professionals like surgeons or anesthesiologists. These roles require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and often work in high-stakes environments, with compensation often exceeding this amount for procedures or on a per-case basis.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level staff in the operating room, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level operating room staff often face challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced environment, learning complex surgical protocols, and managing stress during high-stakes procedures. It’s important to ask questions, seek guidance from experienced team members, and participate in ongoing training to build confidence and proficiency. Developing strong communication skills and staying organized can also help new team members effectively support surgeons and nurses, ensuring patient safety and smooth operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Operating Room Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an entry level operating room technician, you need a solid understanding of sterile technique, basic surgical procedures, and a certificate or diploma in surgical technology. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and electronic documentation systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensuring patient safety, supporting surgical teams, and maintaining efficient operating room workflows.

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

AspectEntry Level Operating RoomSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCPR, Basic Life Support (BLS), possibly Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or equivalent certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgery centers, clinics
Job RoleAssist in surgical procedures, prepare operating rooms, pass instrumentsPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, assist during surgeries

Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in hospital or surgical settings. An Entry Level Operating Room often refers to a beginner position assisting in surgeries, while a Surgical Technologist is a certified professional with specific credentials. The roles overlap in duties and environment, making them closely related entry-level positions in surgical support.

What is the easiest hospital job to get into?

Entry-level hospital jobs such as patient transport, medical assistant, or cleaning staff are generally easier to obtain due to lower certification requirements and high demand. These roles often require minimal experience and can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced healthcare positions, especially in busy hospital environments.

What are entry level operating room jobs?

Entry level operating room jobs typically refer to positions such as surgical technologists, operating room assistants, or scrub techs who support surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures. These roles often involve preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and assisting with patient care before, during, and after surgery. Entry-level roles usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may need a specialized certification or on-the-job training. These positions provide valuable experience for those interested in advancing within surgical or healthcare careers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Operating Room jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Operating Room jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Operating Room jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Operating Room job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,485 per year, or $41.1 per hour.
Surgical Assistant - Operating Room - Southside Regional Medical Center

Surgical Assistant - Operating Room - Southside Regional Medical Center

Bon Secours Mercy Health

Petersburg, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Bon Secours Mercy Health rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 466 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

370th of 875 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Thank you for considering a career at Bon Secours!

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Work Shift:

Days/Evenings (United States of America)

Surgical Assistant - Southside Medical Center

Candidates accepting a full time offer of employment may be eligible for a sign-on bonus of $5000 Rules & restrictions apply, ask your recruiter for details. Internal BSMH associates are not eligible for sign-on bonuses.

Job Summary:

The Surgical Assistant serves in the assistant role in the provision of care to patients undergoing a surgical procedure under the supervision of the provider in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and within the policies, procedures, and guidelines of the organization. The Surgical Assistant is an entry-level practitioner and focused on learning and growing in this role.

Essential Functions:

  • Performs surgical hand scrub, gowning, and gloving according to policy. Routinely functions as first or second assist on assigned cases. Functions in the Surgical Tech capacity fulfilling the scrub role as assigned, demonstrating knowledge and implementation of sterile technique. Checks all instruments to ensure they are in proper working order prior to use. Assists with sponge, sharps, and instrument counts per policy and procedures. Handles specimens in accordance with hospital policy and procedure.

  • Protects patient information based on hospital policy and government regulations to assure information is kept confidential. Participates in unit and hospital efforts to reduce adverse patient care events. Actively participates in the Universal Protocol procedures that assure correct site surgery.

  • Communicates effectively with the circulating nurse upon observance of any missing or malfunctioning instruments and/or indication of any compromise to sterility. Reports any implants device, catheters, drains and packing circulator.

  • Assists with OR case preparation: Utilizes surgeon's preference list to procure equipment and arrange proper placement in the OR; Utilizes aseptic technique when establishing the sterile field, opening supplies and instruments; Assists with monitoring and maintaining the sterile field.

  • Assists with patient positioning, skin clipping and prepping, foley catheterization and draping.

  • Under the direct observation of the surgeon, may: Insert secondary trocars; Place instruments through trocars; Utilize power equipment and stapling devices (other than skin stapling); Inject infiltration local anesthetic medications excluding Exparel. During surgical procedures: Use sponges and suction; Cauterization processes; Appropriately place and manipulate retractors (with or without padding); Irrigate the wound site(s); Cut suture material, handle hemostats, and tie suture; Provides assistance securing drains to tissue. Closes the surgical wound: May assist suture closing of fascia layer under the direct observation of the surgeon; Sutures the subcutaneous tissues and skin including with the use of a skin stapler if needed. Applies appropriate wound dressings, including medicated dressings.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (required)

  • Completion of a Surgical Assistant Program (required)

Required Licensing & Certifications:

  • BLS Basic Life Support - American Heart Association (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care)

  • Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA), or National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) (required) (if hired in Virginia prior to July 1, 2020, preferred; if hired in Cincinnati, preferred).

  • If employed in Virginia, must be registered with the Virginia Board of Medicine. (required)

Experience:

  • One year health care experience (preferred)

Skills & Abilities:

Hard/Tech/Clinical Skills:

  • Monitor patient conditions during treatment

  • Completes specific, routine task

  • Requires basic reading, writing, or simple arithmetic skill

  • May operate basic equipment/machinery.

  • Ability to Follow Instructions

Soft/Interpersonal Skills:

  • Attention to detail

  • Critical thinking

  • Teamwork

  • Conflict resolution

  • Active listening

  • Relationship building

  • Demonstrates a caring attitude and intentional caring behaviors in interpersonal interactions and patient/family care.

  • Communicates clearly all pertinent patient information to other members of the health care team.

  • Possess Surgical Conscience

  • Anticipate Needs

  • Flexible

  • Assists with performing circulator skills and tasks

  • Takes direction

  • Able to work under pressure

  • Professionalism

  • Move with a sense of urgency

Training:

None

Bon Secours is an equal opportunity employer.

As a Bon Secours associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being - personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

  • Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)

  • Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurances, mental health resources and discounts

  • Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders

  • Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

Department:

Operating Room - Southside RMC - Petersburg

It is our policy to abide by all Federal and State laws, as well as, the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Accordingly, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health- Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours - Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com.


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