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Entry Level Operating Room Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Staff Nurse - Operating Room

Anderson, SC

$26 - $45/hr

Salary: $26.00 - $45.00 Staff Nurse - Operating Room Location: Anderson, SC Department: Surgery ... for entry-level staff nurse positions * BSN preferred; ADN candidates must be enrolled in a BSN ...

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Entry Level Operating Room information

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$634

$1.7K

$2.5K

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

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level operating room in the United States is $1,696.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,355.77 and $2,028.85 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.
More about Entry Level Operating Room jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Operating Room jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Operating Room job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs? The most popular types of Operating Room jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Operating Room jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Operating Room jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Operating Room jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Operating Room jobs are:
Entry Level Operating Room jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,193 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

OPERATING ROOM NURSE - FULL TIME

Surgicare of Hawaii, Inc.

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$36.75 - $50/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Operating Room Nurse/ Registered Nurse
Facility Department: Clinical Department
Position Summary: Under the direction of the Nursing Quality Manager, provides professional nursing care through assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation of patient care. Functions as an associate to the charge nurse and begins to assume charge nurse responsibilities.
Position reports to: Director of Nursing
Qualifications Requirements:
Minimum Education / Training / Licensure / Certifications:
  • Must meet education requirements for Hawaii state licensing.
  • Current Hawaii RN license.
  • Current BLS, ACLS and PALS certification.

Minimum Experience:
  • Entry level.

Preferred Education / Training / Licensure / Certifications:
  • Two (2) years recent registered nurse experience in nursing area of specialty.

Preferred Experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Ability to answer telephones courteously.
  • Ability to anticipate tasks and prioritize assignments.
  • Ability to identify medical history risk.
  • Ability to influence, education and negotiate.
  • Ability to maintain highly sensitive, confidential material.
  • Ability to read and maintain medical health records.
  • Ability to use echocardiogram (ECG) equipment and infusion pumps.
  • Knowledge of basic airway management and vital sign parameters.
  • Knowledge of facility protocols.
  • Knowledge of educational techniques.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology.
  • Knowledge of nursing principles and standards of practice.
  • Knowledge of pharmacy, drug therapy and dosing.
  • Knowledge of physical disabilities and adaptive equipment.
  • Provides hospitable customer service.
  • Skill in professional development and supervision of others.
  • Skills to provide care appropriate to ages of patient served.
  • Strong organizational and planning skills.
  • Understands organizational and political structure of the system.
  • Well-developed verbal and written communication skills.

Working Conditions / Environment:
  • Exposed to variety of electro-mechanical hazards.
  • Exposed to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids and wastes.
  • Handles absentee replacement on short notice.
  • Handles emergency or crisis situations.
  • May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases.
  • Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements.
  • Regularly exposed to risk of blood borne diseases.
  • Requires judgement/action that could result in death of a patient.
  • Subjected to varying and unpredictable situations.

Physical / Mental / Special Demands (Hidden)
Physical/Mental/ Special Demands
Infrequent (1-2%)
Occasional (3-33%)
Frequent (34-66%)
Constant (67-100%)
Sit
X
Stand
X
Walk
X
Lifting 50 lbs.
X
Carrying 50 lbs.
X
Pushing 50 lbs.
X
Pulling 50 lbs.
X
Kneeling
X
Squatting
X
Bending
X
Stooping
X
Climbing
X
Twisting
X
Reaching overhead
X
Foot controls
X
Fine dexterity
X
Repetitive work- hand/arms
X
Repetitive work- foot/leg
X
Required Protective Equipment
  • Eye Protection
  • Face Protection
  • Gown.
  • Head Covering.
  • Mask.
  • Non-Sterile Medical Gloves.
  • Sterile Medical Gloves.

Patient Care Services
  • Adapts care and treatment to reflect age specific needs of patient, cultural values of patient, personal needs of patient, psycho-social needs of patient, religious belief of patient, legal wishes of patient.

Age of Patients Served Population
Provides Care
Pediatric (6 months-18 years)
X
Adult (18 years-65 years plus)
X
N/A
X
Description of OSHA Categories:
Category I
Tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues
Category II
Tasks involve no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, but employment may require.
Performing unplanned Category I tasks.
Category III
Tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissue, and Category I tasks are not a condition of employment
OSHA Category:
  • Category I

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES
Essential Functions
  • Provides direct patient care; evaluates outcomes; consults with inter-disciplinary team members as required and adjusts nursing care processes as indicated to ensure optimal patient care.
  • Writes and assesses patient medical history and patients' condition.
  • Assist physicians and aids as needed in times of crisis.
  • Assists physician with examinations, procedures and other processes related to direct patient care.
  • Cooperates with other personnel to achieve objectives and maintain good employee relations.
  • Demonstrates sensitivity to patients' comfort and privacy.
  • Discusses the use of medication and instructs patients to read labels and educate themselves about medications.
  • Administers medications according to scope of practice and state law.
  • Ensures accurate maintenance and confidentiality of patients' medical records.
  • Provides patient advocacy.
  • Responds to code calls and directs codes with physicians.
  • Maintains a safe, comfortable, and therapeutic environment for patients.
  • Demonstrates competency in area of specialization.

(Read only)
  • Understands and models Surgicare of Hawaii's mission, vision and values.
  • Reviews department operations manual to ensure compliance and applicable Joint Commission standards, federal and state regulations, accepted Standards of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program. Complies with all Surgicare of Hawaii's policies, procedures, employee handbook and Standards of Conduct.
  • Promotes excellence in customer/patient relations with all encounters.
  • Adheres to safety policies and maintains a clean and safe environment for patients and co-workers.
  • Participates in departmental and organizational quality improvement efforts.

Other Functions:
  • Attends meetings as required.
  • Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs. Current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
  • Strive to provide continuous improvement.
  • Financially responsible in the workplace.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

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