1

Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

RN - OR

Sitka, AK · On-site

Registered Nurse (RN) Operating Room Circulator The Registered Nurse (RN) provides professional ... Advocate for patient care and assist patients in navigating the healthcare system. Practice within ...

Showing results 41-60

Operating Room Assistant information

See Alaska salary details

$12

$19

$41

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Alaska is $19.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $18.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operating room assistant?

Operating Room Assistants, also known as OR Assistants or surgical support staff, are healthcare workers who play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and efficiency of the operating room. They transport patients, prepare and clean surgical areas, manage surgical instruments, and assist nurses and surgical teams with non-sterile tasks before, during, and after procedures. Their support ensures a sterile and organized environment, helping surgeries run smoothly and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating room assistant?

To thrive as an Operating Room Assistant, you need a basic understanding of surgical procedures, infection control, and patient care, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification in sterile processing. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and hospital inventory systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help ensure smooth operations and patient safety in high-pressure environments. These abilities are vital for maintaining a sterile environment, supporting surgical teams, and ensuring successful surgical outcomes.

What are some common challenges operating room assistants face during surgical procedures?

Operating Room Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict sterility in a fast-paced environment, quickly adapting to changing surgical needs, and efficiently coordinating with the surgical team under pressure. They must be vigilant to prevent contamination, manage surgical instruments, and anticipate the needs of surgeons and nurses. Strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm during emergencies are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Operating Room Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectOperating Room AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingPost-secondary education; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, surgical centersHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities
Job RoleAssist surgical team with supplies, prep rooms, and patient carePrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, assist during surgeries

While both roles support surgical teams, Operating Room Assistants typically focus on patient support and logistical tasks, whereas Surgical Technologists have specialized training to prepare surgical instruments and assist directly during procedures. Both roles are essential in surgical settings, but Surgical Technologists usually require formal certification and have more technical responsibilities.

How do you become an operating room assistant?

To become an operating room assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Surgical Technologist. On-the-job training is common, and strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are important skills for the role.

How hard is it to become an operating room assistant?

Becoming an operating room assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or certification in healthcare support. Some positions may prefer or require knowledge of medical terminology, basic patient care skills, and familiarity with surgical environments, but the entry process is generally accessible with minimal formal education.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in Alaska?

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Alaska are:

What are popular job titles related to Operating Room Assistant jobs in Alaska?

For Operating Room Assistant jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating Room Assistant jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Room Assistant jobs in Alaska are:

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,100 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

RN - OR

Sitka, AK • On-site

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Registered Nurse (RN) Operating Room Circulator

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides professional nursing care across the lifespan in alignment with organizational standards, policies, and evidence-based practice. Utilizing the nursing process, the RN assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates patient care while delivering high-quality, culturally sensitive, and patient-centered services. Collaboration with providers and interdisciplinary teams is essential to promote optimal patient outcomes and safety.

The circulator nurse coordinates perioperative workflow outside the sterile field by:

  • Preparing the patient and verifying documentation
  • Ensuring equipment readiness and completing safety checklists
  • Facilitating communication among the surgical team
  • Advocating for patients while maintaining situational awareness
  • Anticipating needs and supporting sterile staff
  • Documenting key intraoperative events to maintain a safe surgical environment

Circulator nurses are required to participate in on-call coverage to support urgent and emergent surgical cases.

Perform comprehensive patient assessments and develop individualized plans of care.

Implement and evaluate nursing interventions and patient responses.

Administer medications and treatments safely and accurately per provider orders and policy.

Recognize changes in patient condition and initiate appropriate interventions or escalation of care.

Provide patient and family education related to care, medications, and discharge needs.

Conduct comprehensive assessments and recognize significant changes in patient condition.

Exercise independent nursing judgment in determining interventions and priorities.

Develop, implement, evaluate, and revise individualized nursing plans of care.

Integrate clinical findings with ethical principles and regulatory requirements in decision-making.

Accept accountability for nursing decisions and outcomes in accordance with statutes and policies.

Collaborate with providers and interdisciplinary team members to coordinate care.

Facilitate referrals, follow-up care, and continuity of services.

Document assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately and timely in the electronic health record.

Advocate for patient care and assist patients in navigating the healthcare system.

Practice within nursing scope and adhere to regulatory, safety, and infection prevention requirements.

Participate in quality and performance improvement activities.

Maintain required competencies and certifications.

Report adverse events, near misses, and unsafe conditions per policy.

Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, flexibility, and teamwork.

Provide appropriate guidance and delegation to ancillary staff.

Support orientation, mentoring, and education of staff, students, and peers.

Float to other departments or assignments as needed.

Associate's degree in Nursing from an accredited program.

Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse license in the State of Alaska.

Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications required.

Clinical competency required within 3 months and recertification every 3 years.

High Risk Competency required within 3 months and annually thereafter.

Strong knowledge of nursing principles, evidence-based practice, and infection prevention.

Excellent clinical judgment, organization, prioritization, and communication skills.

Able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Proficient with electronic health records and clinical systems.

Ability to lift, push, pull, and move up to 50 pounds.

Ability to stand for extended periods and perform bending, sto