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Operating Nurse Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Focus Staff

Travel Surgery RN

Redding, CA · On-site

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/07/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room Nurse ...

Focus Staff

Travel OR RN

Eureka, CA · On-site

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/08/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room Nurse ...

Focus Staff

Travel OR RN

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/21/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 48 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours, nights * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room ...

Focus Staff

Travel OR RN

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/21/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 48 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room Nurse ...

Focus Staff

Travel OR Circulator RN

Arcata, CA · On-site

Focus Staff is seeking a travel nurse RN OR Circulate for a travel nursing job in Arcata, California. & Requirements * Specialty: OR Circulate * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/07/2026 * Duration: 13 ...

Focus Staff

Travel OR RN

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/21/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room Nurse ...

Focus Staff

Travel OR RN

Eureka, CA · On-site

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/08/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room Nurse ...

Focus

Travel OR Circulator RN - $2,563 per week

Arcata, CA · On-site

$2.5K/wk

Focus Staff is seeking a travel nurse RN OR Circulate for a travel nursing job in Arcata, California. & Requirements * Specialty: OR Circulate * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/31/2026 * Duration: 13 ...

New

Focus

Travel Surgery RN - $2,631 per week

Redding, CA · On-site

$2.6K/wk

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/31/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room Nurse ...

Focus

Travel OR RN - $2,943 per week

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$2.9K/wk

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/21/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 48 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours, nights * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room ...

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All JobsOperating Nurse JobsOperating Nurse Jobs in California

Operating Nurse information

See California salary details

$16

$44

$81

How much do operating nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating nurse in California is $44.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.34 and $48.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating Nurse, you need in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and patient safety protocols, typically backed by a nursing degree and valid RN license with perioperative certification (such as CNOR) preferred. Familiarity with operating room equipment, surgical instrumentation, and electronic health records (EHRs) is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and effective collaboration with surgical teams during critical procedures.

What are some common challenges operating nurses face during surgical procedures, and how can they effectively manage them?

Operating Nurses often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected changes during surgery, maintaining strict sterile techniques, and communicating efficiently with the surgical team under pressure. To effectively manage these situations, staying organized, remaining adaptable, and continually updating clinical skills are crucial. Building strong relationships with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and fellow nurses also fosters teamwork, which is vital for patient safety and smooth surgical workflows.

What is an operating nurse?

Operating Nurses, also known as perioperative or surgical nurses, are registered nurses who assist in surgical procedures. They prepare the operating room, ensure all surgical instruments are sterile and available, and support the surgical team throughout the operation. Their responsibilities also include monitoring the patient’s condition before, during, and after surgery. Operating Nurses play a vital role in maintaining a sterile environment and ensuring patient safety during surgical procedures.

What is the difference between Operating Nurse vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectOperating NurseSurgical Technologist
CredentialsRN license, sometimes specialized certificationsPost-secondary certificate or diploma, no RN license
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsOperating rooms, surgical centers
Roles & ResponsibilitiesAssesses patient, assists during surgery, manages patient carePrepares operating room, hands instruments, maintains sterile environment

Operating Nurses and Surgical Technologists both work in surgical settings, but Operating Nurses have RN licensure and provide direct patient care, while Surgical Technologists focus on preparing the operating room and assisting surgeons. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What cities in California are hiring for Operating Nurse jobs?

Cities in California with the most Operating Nurse job openings:

Operating Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Nurse job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,335 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - OR - Operating Room

Focus Staff

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Focus Staff is seeking a travel nurse RN OR - Operating Room for a travel nursing job in Bakersfield, California.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: OR - Operating Room
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 08/31/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room Nurse for a travel contract in Bakersfield, CA. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a OR setting.

Contract Length: 13 Weeks

Start Date: 08/31/2026

Shift: 5x8 Days

Benefits for Travel RN ORs:

  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Licensure reimbursement
  • Travel reimbursement
  • Relocation assistance
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive pay
  • Referral bonus
  • Holiday bonus

Requirements:

  • 1 Year of Experience, 2 Preferred
  • Valid CA RN License
  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • ACLS
  • Eligible to work in the United States

About Focus Staff:

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the life you love, explore the country and do what you do best, help others.

Interested in becoming a traveler with Focus Staff? Discover why travelers choose us, apply today!

All-Star Status:

  • Dallas 100 (Multiple Years in a Row)
  • Inc. 5000
  • Middle Market 50
  • Certified by The Joint Commission
  • Best of Staffing Talent Satisfaction 2022
  • Best of Staffing Client Satisfaction 2022
  • Fastest-Growing US Staffing Firms 2017

If you’re seeking a Travel Operating Room Nurse position in Bakersfield, CA and are looking to work with an agency that will listen to your needs and career goals, then Focus Staff is the right place to be. We are proud of our ability to build relationships with all our healthcare professionals, whether you’re seeking travel assignments, PR or permanent positions.

We Offer:

  • Immediate Openings
  • Weekly Pay through Direct Deposits
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Day and Night Shifts Available
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Guaranteed Hours (based on employer)
  • Travel Assistance
  • Dedicated/Responsive Recruiters
  • Day One Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • Generous Housing Stipend
  • 24/7 Support
  • Company Provided Housing Options
  • Referral Bonus ($600)
  • Loyalty Bonus ($1,200)
  • Discounts/Coupons to Hotels
  • Access to Jobs in all 50 States
  • Painless Credentialing Process
  • U.S.A.-based Company
  • Equal Opportunity Employer
  • Joint Commission Certified
  • Licensure Reimbursement
  • Pet-Friendly
  • Access to Discounts, Rewards, and more

Other Information:

Job Title: Travel Operating Room Nurse

Employment Time: Contract/Travel

Date Posted: 07/27/2026 06:01:01 PM

Valid Through: 11/30/2026

Job City: Bakersfield

Job State: CA

Job Country: USA

Shift: 5x8 Days

Job ID: a0xVt00000RansHIAR

Hiring Organization: Focus Staff

Focus Staff is an EEO/AA (Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action) Employer.

Estimated pay package based on bill rate at time job was posted. Bill rates can change frequently and without notice. Exact pay package may vary based on several factors, including, but not limited to, guaranteed hours, travel distance, demand, experience, etc.

RN, Registered Nurse, Travel Nurse, Travel RN, Travel OR RN, RN OR, Nurse Practitioner, RN Operating Room, Operating Nurse, RN Operating Room Jobs, Operating Room Travel Nurse, Travel, Contract, Assignment, Nursing, Contract RN, Temporary RN

Focus Staff Job ID #a0xVt00000RansHIAR. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Travel OR RN - Operating Room Registered Nurse

About Focus Staff

Your Journey, Our Focus. Travel Confidently, Care Boldly with Focus Staff.

At Focus Staff, we’re here to make your travel healthcare career rewarding, seamless, and stress-free.

Whether you’re a travel nurse, therapist, or allied health professional, we take care of the details so you can focus on what you do best — caring for others. Our mission is simple: to help healthcare heroes like you thrive, no matter where your journey takes you.

With thousands of job opportunities across all 50 states, our dedicated recruiters work closely with you to match you to the right assignment, based on what matters most to you — pay, location, benefits, or career growth.

From day one, you’ll enjoy premium benefits like medical coverage that bridges between assignments, 401K matching, travel and licensing reimbursements, and personalized housing support. Plus, our team is here for you 24/7, with clinical support available whenever you need guidance or backup.

At Focus Staff, we believe in making every assignment a smooth, comfortable, and empowering experience. Let’s make your next adventure your best one yet.


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About Focus Staff

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Focus Staff is a travel healthcare professional staffing agency. We place awesome people in awesome places across every state in the U.S. and the Virgin Islands. If you're an adventurer or a facility that needs high-quality staff, give us a shot. One promise we can unequivocally make: we'll always be totally honest and transparent. Period.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

2008

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