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Operating Nurse Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Operating Room Nurse for a travel contract in Wichita, KS. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a OR setting. Contract Length: 13 Weeks Start ...

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Operating Nurse information

See Kansas salary details

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$73

How much do operating nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating nurse in Kansas is $40.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.92 and $43.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How much do operating nurses make a year?

Operating nurses, also known as perioperative nurses, typically earn an average annual salary of around $75,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the healthcare facility and the complexity of surgical procedures they assist with.

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Operating Nurse jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Operating Nurse job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Nurse job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,345 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Registered Nurse, Surgery OR, PRN

Atchison, KS • On-site

Amberwell Health Atchison
Health Care and Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees

Per diem

Re-posted 6 days ago


Amberwell Health rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Department of Surgical Care encompasses three phases of the patient’s surgical experience. The Surgical Care Nurse must be proficient in Pre-operative, Intra-Operative, and Post-operative policies, workflow, processes, medication administration, and documentation. The Surgical Care Nurse demonstrates proficiency in managing patient care by leading as a patient advocate and coordinates patient care through the entire surgical experience.

Perioperative Nursing Care is centered on preparing the patient for their surgical procedure, preparation begins at the time the patient is scheduled for the procedure. The perioperative nurse plays a key role in gathering information, collaboration with surgeons and their staff, and patient teaching. In addition to this the perioperative RN is knowledgeable and able to perform proficiently in the below phases of surgical care:

Pre-Op Nursing Care

  • Medication administration
  • Preparing patients for surgical procedures
  • Preoperative patient teaching and instructions
  • Obtains surgical consent and ensures the patients questions and or concerns about the procedure is addressed prior to the procedure.
  • Obtains all required documentation for the medical record to ensure the patient is appropriately prepared for their surgical procedure.
  • Physical Assessment
  • Expert in IV placement
  • Proficient with ultrasound IV placement
  • Proficient caring for and preparing patients of all ages for surgical procedures

Intra-Operative Nursing Care

  • Medication administration
  • The OR Circulator is the “Gate Keeper” and ensures patients are informed, consented for scheduled procedures, and the medical record is completed prior to the start of the procedure.
  • The OR Circulator works directly with the Surgeon, Anesthesia, and the OR Team to ensure the OR suite is set up according to the scheduled procedure and surgeon preferences.
  • The OR Circulator should display great communication skills, leadership qualities, critical thinking, high level coordination when the surgery schedule changes, and delivers safe care for the patient during the surgical procedure.
  • The OR Circulator is the expert in sterile technique and has a sterile conscious. The OR Circulator always applies sterile conscious when setting up for surgical procedure and during the surgical procedure.
  • The OR Circulator displays the ability to perform under pressure with a calm and responsive attitude and thrives in a high stress environment.

Post Anesthesia Nursing Care

  • Medication administration
  • Knowledgeable with Phase I, Phase II, and Post operative discharge instructions for post-operative patients of all ages.
  • The post-operative nurse must be proficient in monitoring patients transiting from Phase I to Phase II post anesthesia care.
  • Knowledgeable and comfortable with post-operative airway management.
  • Excellent communication skills and collaboration with Anesthesia Care Providers, Surgeons and their assistants.
  • ABOUT AMBERWELL HEALTH:

    Amberwell Health is a healthcare system dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the communities we serve, providing compassionate healthcare with clinical excellence. Amberwell locations include several complete care facilities that provide a full spectrum of patient care services including inpatient, surgical, orthopedic, maternal, health at home, emergency care services. In addition, Amberwell clinic locations offer primary care and specialty care services. Amberwell Health supports service lines and locations across the system with a range of support services including radiology, laboratory, cardiopulmonary, rehabilitation therapy, occupational health, infusion, nutrition, pharmacy, administrative services, and many other specialty services.

    AMBERWELL CULTURE:

    Amazing Amberwell employees are at the heart of a workplace focused on competencies with our cultural values. Excellence in healthcare is expected and our patients deserve nothing less. Our culture competencies range from warm greetings in the hall to providing patients with “wow” experiences in each department. At Amberwell, we go beyond excellence to provide the unexpected.

    At Amberwell, you will find a professional environment that values consistency, collaboration, and patient-first decision making. Servant leadership is both modeled and mentored, with a focus on regular appreciation. Amberwell employees enjoy many appreciation events and activities to help them know just how important they are to our organization, our patients, and our communities.

    To learn more about Amberwell Health, our affiliated organizations, and available career opportunities, visit careers.amberwellhealth.org.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience:
    • Minimum Required Experience: New Registered Nurse Graduate
    • Preferred Experience: 2+ year experience in Pre-Operative, Post-Operative, and or OR Circulating nursing.
  • Education:
    • Minimum Required Education: Associates of Nursing
    • Preferred Education: Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing
  • Licenses:
    • Minimum Required Licenses: Registered Nurse license
    • Preferred Licenses: N/A
  • Certifications:
    • Minimum Required: BLS, ACLS, PALS
    • Preferred Certifications: CNOR

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