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General Surgery Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Surgery Nurse Practitioner * Start: December * Duration: 6 months * Shifts: Day 4×10-Hour (7:00 - 17:00), Weekend call Friday 5pm - Monday 7am (Round Sat-Sun 8am-12pm), Weeknight call (5pm ...

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General Surgery Nurse information

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$16

$45

$82

How much do general surgery nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for general surgery 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 is a general surgery nurse?

General Surgery Nurses are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients before, during, and after general surgical procedures. They assist surgeons in the operating room, monitor patient recovery, and provide preoperative and postoperative care. Their responsibilities include preparing patients for surgery, ensuring sterile conditions, administering medications, and educating patients about recovery. General Surgery Nurses play a crucial role in supporting both patients and surgical teams throughout the surgical process.

What are the main challenges a general surgery nurse faces during surgical procedures?

General Surgery Nurses often work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where they must stay focused and adaptable. One of the main challenges is anticipating the needs of surgeons and patients during procedures, which requires excellent communication and quick decision-making skills. Additionally, surgery schedules can be unpredictable, leading to long or irregular shifts. Collaboration with the surgical team is vital to ensure patient safety and efficient workflow, and nurses must stay updated on the latest surgical techniques and protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a general surgery nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a General Surgery Nurse, you need strong clinical skills in perioperative care, wound management, and patient assessment, supported by an active RN license and surgical nursing experience or certification (such as CNOR). Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterile technique, electronic health records (EHRs), and patient monitoring systems is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective teamwork are important soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient care throughout the surgical process and help prevent complications in high-pressure environments.

What is the difference between General Surgery Nurse vs Operating Room Nurse?

AspectGeneral Surgery NurseOperating Room Nurse
CredentialsRN license, possibly specialized in surgical nursingRN license, surgical nursing certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient surgical centersOperating rooms in hospitals or surgical centers
Employer & IndustryHealthcare facilities performing various surgeriesHospitals, surgical centers, specialized clinics
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles require RN licensure and involve surgical settings, but General Surgery Nurses typically assist with a variety of surgeries in different departments, while Operating Room Nurses focus specifically on assisting during surgeries in the operating room. Understanding these differences helps healthcare professionals and job seekers find the right fit in surgical nursing roles.

How much do general surgery nurses make?

General surgery nurses typically earn a median annual salary of around $75,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on healthcare facility, shift differentials, and additional skills such as patient care or surgical assistance.
More about General Surgery Nurse jobs
Infographic showing various General Surgery Nurse job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,573 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner | General Surgery

Sanford Health

Minocqua, WI

$109K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Sanford Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 557 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

499th of 896 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America's heartland.

Work Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Compensation:

Union Position:

No

Department Details

Marshfield Medical Center - Minocqua is seeking a General Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to join our team in Minocqua, Wisconsin.
The General Surgery Nurse Practitioner provides advanced nursing care to patients undergoing surgical procedures. The NP collaborates with surgeons and the healthcare team to assess, diagnose, and manage preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. This role involves patient education, pain management, wound care, and coordination of follow-up care to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Summary

Marshfield Medical Center - Minocqua is seeking a General Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to join our team in Minocqua, Wisconsin.
The General Surgery Nurse Practitioner provides advanced nursing care to patients undergoing surgical procedures. The NP collaborates with surgeons and the healthcare team to assess, diagnose, and manage preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. This role involves patient education, pain management, wound care, and coordination of follow-up care to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Compensation and Benefits
Sanford Health offers a nationally competitive compensation plan with an additional physician benefits package including a health, dental and vision insurance, 401K plan, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, CME allowance, allowed time away, malpractice insurance and tail coverage, and a relocation allowance.
Sanford Health - Marshfield Clinic is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. This may qualify you for additional state and/or federal education loan forgiveness programs.

Job Description

Conduct comprehensive patient assessments, including history-taking and physical exams related to surgical conditions.
Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests relevant to general surgery patients.
Collaborate with surgeons and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
Provide preoperative evaluations and prepare patients for surgery, including patient education and risk assessment.
Manage postoperative care, including monitoring recovery, managing pain, wound care, and identifying complications.
Assist in surgical procedures as needed under the supervision of the surgeon.
Prescribe medications, treatments, and therapies according to state laws and institutional policies.
Document patient care accurately and maintain up-to-date medical records.
Provide patient and family education on surgical procedures, recovery expectations, and lifestyle modifications.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and maintain compliance with hospital and regulatory standards.
Stay current with advances in general surgery and nursing practice through continuing education.

Qualifications

Master's or Doctorate degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.

If APRN was licensed prior to August 1, 1995, master's degree in nursing is preferred.

Minimum of 2 years experience in surgical or acute care settings preferred
Current licensure as a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner in each state of practice.
Current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) permit to prescribe controlled substances in each state of practice.
State Controlled Substance License (if required by State)
National board certification as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC) or ACNPC-AG), Acute Care Adult (ACNP-BC), Additional certifications require approval from a market executive leader: Family (FNP-BC) or (FNP-C), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP-BC) or (A-GNP)
Obtains and subsequently maintains required specific competencies and certifications as outlined on privilege form.
Privileging documents and related credentialing requirements will supersede this job description in defining minimum qualifications, criteria, and scope of practice, if variation between documents exists.

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.


If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.


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About Sanford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We're proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US

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