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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurse Operating Room

Hilo, HI ยท On-site

$55 - $58/hr

Transport patients when needed * Assist with scheduling surgical cases as assigned * Support ... Minimum 3 years Operating Room experience required * 2-3 years minimum circulating experience in a ...

RN - Operating Room

Kealakekua, HI ยท On-site

$2.8K/wk

Intraoperative Nursing Care: Assist in preparing the operating room (OR) environment, ensuring sterile conditions and proper functioning of surgical equipment. Collaborate with surgical team members ...

OR RN

Kealakekua, HI ยท On-site

Perform circulating nurse duties in the Operating Room * Maintain sterile field and surgical safety standards * Prepare patients and OR suites for surgical procedures * Assist surgeons and surgical ...

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Operating Room Assistant information

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 Hawaii?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Registered Nurse Operating Room

Centstone HC

Hilo, HI โ€ข On-site

$55 - $58/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Registered Nurse-Operating Room

Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Pay Rate: $54/hr – $58/hr
Shift: Variable shifts
Schedule: Variable schedule based on department needs; call required
Guaranteed Hours: No guarantee
Experience: Minimum 3 years Operating Room experience required

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Registered Nurse – Operating Room for a hospital-based surgical services opportunity in Hilo, Hawaii. This role is ideal for an OR RN with strong circulating experience who can support a busy surgical department, assist with patient flow, and participate in call coverage.

Responsibilities

  • Circulate operating room cases independently

  • Support general, orthopedic, vascular, ophthalmic, urology, ENT, endoscopy, robotic, OB, and GYN procedures

  • Assist with room turnover and cleaning between cases

  • Transport patients when needed

  • Assist with scheduling surgical cases as assigned

  • Support efficient OR workflow in a fast-paced surgical environment

  • Participate in call coverage, including weekdays and weekends

  • Maintain patient safety, sterile technique, and surgical care standards

Requirements

  • Active Hawaii Registered Nurse license required by assignment start

  • Minimum 3 years Operating Room experience required

  • 2–3 years minimum circulating experience in a hospital setting required

  • BLS/BCLS required

  • Ability to scrub cases preferred

  • Must be flexible with variable shifts and department needs

  • Must be within 30 minutes of the hospital for call response

  • Must arrive the Thursday before start for employee health appointment

  • Holiday coverage required as needed

Bring your OR nursing experience to a busy Hawaii surgical team where your skill, flexibility, and teamwork will support safe and efficient patient care.