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Operating Nurse Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Operating Nurse information

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$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

TNAA TotalMed RN

Tulare, CA • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

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

Job description

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN OR - Operating Room for a travel nursing job in Tulare, California.

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

We're looking for Operating Room RNs for an immediate travel nurse opening in Tulare, CA. The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements.
As an OR Travel Nurse, you will assist physicians and medical staff in caring for surgical patients, as well as providing pre- and post-surgery care and education to the patient. Circulating OR Nurses work within the operating suite but outside of the sterile field; Scrub OR Nurses handle and prepare operating instruments and equipment within the sterile field. Surgery responsibilities may include preparing instruments for specific surgical procedures, monitoring and observing the patient during surgery, and responding to potential complications alongside the physician.
As an OR Travel Nurse, you should be prepared to perform the following tasks:

  • Provide basic bedside care.
  • Prepare, administer and record prescribed medication, reporting any adverse reactions to treatment.
  • Serve as the communication liaison between patients' family members and members of the operating team.
  • Ensure that the correct procedure(s) is being performed on the correct patient.
  • Initiate patient education plan as prescribed by physician; teach patients and families how to manage medication and home care needs.
Additional duties for Circulating OR Nurses may include:
  • Responding to comfort and safety needs of patient.
  • Accurate care and handling of specimens.
  • Monitoring equipment used during surgery.
  • Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure.
Additional duties for Scrub OR Nurses may include:
  • Selection and handling of surgical instruments and supplies during procedures.
  • Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure.
Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include:
  • Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care.
  • Help control bleeding.
  • Suture patients following surgery.
OR Travel Nurses should be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, as well as bend, lean and stoop without difficulty. RNs should be able to easily lift 20 pounds. Moving or lifting of patients may require lifting of up to 50 pounds at times. RNs may face hazards from exposure to certain chemicals or infectious diseases in the operating room environment.
Requirements*: BLS, PALS, ACLS, 2 Years
* Additional certifications may be required before beginning an assignment.

TotalMed Travel Job ID #1470991. 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: Operating Room - OR RN - Travel Nurse

About TNAA TotalMed RN

TotalMed is a Top Ten, travel nursing and healthcare staffing agency with the mission of igniting purpose in healthcare. The organization staffs nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and other clinicians of all specialties in all 50 states. They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both facilities and patients. As an organization, they focus on putting highly-skilled staff into facilities to ensure adequate staffing for a better patient experience.


TotalMed specializes in recruiting and placing healthcare professionals in travel, PRN, and permanent positions across the country in Nursing and Allied Health. Throughout 2020, the organization filled roles at even the most short-staffed facilities during the most challenging time in healthcare. By matching the right travel healthcare professional with the right organization, TotalMed continues to offer a lifeline to facilities and their patients.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Continuing Education
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Sick pay
  • Wellness and fitness programs
  • Referral bonus
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • Benefits start day 1

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