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Entry Level Operating Room Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Food Prep Worker | All Shifts

Sterling, VA

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Production Worker | Entry Level 1st, 2nd Shift, and 3rd shift Available - Immediate Openings ... We're hiring dedicated Food Prep Operators to support our 2nd shift production operations in ...

Food Prep Worker | All Shifts

Sterling, VA

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Production Worker | Entry Level 1st, 2nd Shift, and 3rd shift Available - Immediate Openings ... We're hiring dedicated Food Prep Operators to support our 2nd shift production operations in ...

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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.
MAY/AUGUST 2026 RN NEW GRAD ONLY-LGH D27 Med/Surg-FT/7a-7p

MAY/AUGUST 2026 RN NEW GRAD ONLY-LGH D27 Med/Surg-FT/7a-7p

Centra Health

Lynchburg, VA

$29.29 - $45.41/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago


Centra Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 118 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

560th of 875 rated healthcare providers


Job description

About This Unit

  • Beds: 33-bed Medical-Surgical Unit

  • Patient Population: Adult patients with a broad range of acute medical and surgical conditions

  • Typical Cases: Congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, sepsis, diabetes, acute and chronic kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, liver disease, hypo/hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, cellulitis, stroke recovery, appendectomy, cholecystectomy, and general medical deconditioning

  • Clinical Skills: Heparin infusions, lasix and bumex drips, IV fluid management, electrolyte replacement therapy, patient monitoring, complex discharge planning, and comprehensive patient education

Located in the heart of Central Virginia, Centra Health is a regional, nonprofit healthcare system comprised of hospitals, medical centers, and a network of specialty and primary care practices throughout the Blue Ridge region. Centra has earned its fifth Magnet designation, a prestigious recognition that reflects our ongoing commitment to nursing excellence, professional development, and exceptional patient care.

The Clinical Registered Nurse (RN) I is the entry level for new graduate nurses who are still in or finishing their new graduate orientation. This RN is responsible for managing individualized patient care by promoting and restoring patients' health in accordance with medical and nursing plans of care and established policies and procedures. The Clinical RN I collaborates with physicians and multidisciplinary team members in the development, execution, and evaluation of the multidisciplinary plan of care. The Clinical Registered Nurse I provides nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the scope of the RN as defined by the Virginia Board of Nursing. This RN maintains a safe care environment for their patients (clients) and delivers quality care.  

Qualifications

Education Minimum: 

Diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing 

Education Preferred: 

Bachelor of Science - Nursing (BSN) 

Work Experience Minimum: 

New Graduate up to six months of RN experience.

Licenses & Certifications Minimum: 

Registration as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia and/or holds a compact license to practice in Virginia. 

Basic Life Support

Additional Specialty Requirements - Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Cath Lab/Electrophysiology

Operating Room            

Critical Care (All)           

Endoscopy        

PACU   

Interventional Radiology            

Birth Center      

Centra Specialty Hospital

Outpatient Ambulatory Surgery

Plastic Surgery Registered Nurse

Outpatient Ambulatory Surgery

Additional Specialty Requirements - Pediatric Advanced Life Support

Pediatrics

Additional Specialty Requirements - Advanced and Pediatric Advanced Life Support

Emergency Dept.

Salary Range:  $29.29 - $45.41 / Hour          

Job Responsibilities

Assessment

  1. Conducts an individualized patient assessment, prioritizing the data collection based on the patient's immediate condition or needs within timeframe specified by policies, procedures, or protocols. 

  2. Conducts ongoing assessments as determined by patient's condition and/or the policies, procedures or protocols and reprioritizes care accordingly. 

  3. Integrates nursing interventions into the multidisciplinary plan of care, incorporating appropriate standards of care and practice and patient outcomes. 

Planning 

  1. Develops, modifies, and integrates an individualized care plan which incorporates the medical plan of care, key elements from the plans of other disciplines, and standards of care and practice. 

  2. Establishes individualized, measurable patient goals in consultation with the patient, family, and health care team. 

Intervention 

  1. Performs appropriate treatments as ordered by provider in an accurate and timely manner. 

  2. Performs therapeutic nursing interventions as established by individualized plan of care for the patient and his/her family. 

  3. Recognizes potential problems and responds to general information/data indicating urgent and/or emergent risk to the patient. 

  4. Initiates emergency resuscitative measures as appropriate. 

  5. Assumes responsibility and accountability for effectively managing the care of a specialty patient population. 

  6. Provides care in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner that is culturally sensitive to the patient and family, preserving their autonomy, dignity, and rights. 

  7. Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to ensure patient care interventions are appropriate. 

Evaluation 

  1. Evaluates patient's responses to care based on effectiveness of nursing interventions/actions in relationship to established goals. 

  2. Initiates changes in the interdisciplinary care plan based on this evaluation. Problem solves with the specialty team to improve patient outcomes.  

  3. Documents patient assessment findings, physical/psychosocial responses to nursing intervention and progress towards problem resolution. 

Patient Education 

  1. Identifies learning needs of patients/families and teaches by adapting standard information based on needs. 

  2. Ensures that the patient/family demonstrates knowledge, within the abilities of the patient.  

  3. Communicates with patients and family to identify their needs and include them in the plan of care.  

  4. Acknowledges and supports determinations by the patient and/or family concerning treatment.  

Self and Peer Learning 

  1. Assumes responsibility for assessing and meeting own learning and professional development needs.  

  2. Maintains current competency in nursing specialty and requirements for department; attends required educational programs and may attend additional educational workshops; reviews nursing professional publications; establishes personal networks; may participate in professional societies. 

Collaboration 

  1. Makes sound judgments in the decisions involved in coordinating multiple, increasingly complex patient care demands. 

  2. Supervises delegated care based on abilities of personnel and patient acuity. 

  3. Reports changes in patient condition to appropriate personnel.  

Service Recovery 

  1. Participates in service recovery and uses appropriate resources during complex situations.  

  2. Handles conflict resolution in an appropriate, timely and consistent manner.  

Resource Utilization and Stewardship 

  1. Supports organizational efforts regarding appropriate resource utilization (i.e. flexing during low census). 

  2. May begin training for a charge nurse role or as a preceptor if has strong leadership aptitude. 

Improvement Activities 

  1. Participates in data collection for quality assurance activities if assigned by department leader. 

  2. Identifies and communicates recurring practice concerns in specialty areas and their impact on care.  

  3. Participates in initiatives resulting from nurse-sensitive, quality, and other specialty indicators and/or unit-based quality metrics. 

  4. Demonstrates the utilization of Centra's safety behaviors (i.e. Speak Up for Safety).   

Research/Evidence Based Practice/Quality Improvement Projects 

  1. May participate in Research or Evidence Based Practice projects. 

  2. At an entry level with ability to to communicate research and quality improvement data/findings to peers. 

  3. At an entry level with ability to be able to interpret quality improvement data relevant to the clinical specialty and communicate this data to peers. 

  4. At an entry level with ability to contributes to the development or implementation of methods to improve quality care in areas identified as deficient by quality improvement data studies. 

Ethics 

  1. Maintains confidentiality in matters as outlined in Centra policies. 

  2. Delivers care in a manner that protects patient autonomy, dignity, and rights. 

  3. Serves as a patient advocate. 

  4. Maintains patient-nurse relationships with professional role boundaries. 

Other duties as assigned.


 


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