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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

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Surgical Technologist

Hilo, HI · On-site

$1 - $2/wk

Maintain a sterile field throughout surgical procedures while anticipating the needs of the surgical team. * Assist with patient transport, operating room turnover, and preparation between 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 (RN) - First Assist

Adventist Health

Waimanalo, HI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Adventist Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 244 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Adventist Health is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) First Assist for a nursing job in Waimanalo, Hawaii.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Employment Type: Staff

RN Castle Benefits:

  • Evening Shift Differential: $2/hour
  • Night Shift Differential: $6/hour
  • Weekend Shift Differential: $1/hour
  • No Parking Fees

Located in Kailua, Adventist Health Castle has been one of the area's leading healthcare providers since 1963. We are comprised of a 160-bed hospital, eight medical offices, home care services, urgent cares and a vast scope of services located throughout O'ahu. In 2017, Adventist Health Castle was recognized with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation's highest presidential honor for performance excellence. O'ahu is known for its ideal climate, diverse culture and picturesque landscape. The allure of Castle's laid-back lifestyle is complimented by its close-knit and proud community.

Job Summary:

Organizes and facilitates the patient while in the Operating Room (OR). Coordinates the overall care of patient between surgeon, anesthesiologist and room staff. Functions as a first assistant during surgical incision, excision, and repair of pathology throughout the perioperative period on procedures for which privileges have been granted. Participates in preoperative assessment and planning for selected surgical patients in collaboration with the healthcare team members in the preoperative location. Regularly demonstrates subject matter expertise regarding medication, treatment and patient care standards.

Job Requirements:

Education and Work Experience:

  • Completion of an RNFA program that meets AORN standards: Required
  • Two years' perioperative nursing experience: Preferred

Licenses/Certifications:

  • Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the state of practice: Required
  • Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) certification in the state of practice: Preferred
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Required
  • Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification: Required
  • Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Status (PEARS)/Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Preferred
  • Association of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) membership: Preferred

Facility Specific License/Certifications:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Required

Essential Functions:

  • Performs circulating and scrubbing duties. Verbally confirms surgical site/side before induction of anesthesia. Accurately performs all sponge, needle, sharp and instrument counts at appropriate time and according to department policy. Handles and dissects tissues in collaboration with the surgeon. Clamps blood vessels, coagulates bleeding points, ligates vessels, and performs other procedures in collaboration with the surgeon. Sutures muscle, fascia, subcutaneous, and skin tissue in collaboration with the surgeon. Places drains as surgically indicated. Assists with cannulation and decannulation procedures, if indicated.
  • Assists with transferring the patient to and from the operating room, positioning, prepping and draping. Provides patient with safe and aseptic environment by applying the principles of aseptic technique. Takes corrective action to rectify breaks in aseptic technique. Inspects sterile items before opening and maintains sterility of items during delivery to sterile field. Obtains and interprets patient data to determine appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, as needed. Develops and implements action plan for practice changes to enhance patient outcomes.
  • Maintains appropriate traffic patterns and personnel around the sterile field. Applies appropriate methods and parameters of sterilization/disinfection. Observes for general cleanliness of the Operating Room and takes appropriate action to amend, as necessary. Prepares instruments according to physician preference and scheduled procedure. Utilizes specific knowledge and skills in a surgical environment to assist the surgeon. Works under minimal supervision.
  • Documents relevant data, including but not limited to nursing diagnoses, patient's plan of care, intervention and response, and discharge plan. Mentors, develops, inspires, educates and leads staff members in patient care setting. Enhances efficiency and cost effectiveness by identifying opportunities to decrease costs, as applicable to the job.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Organizational Requirements:

Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.
Adventist Health participates in E-Verify. Visit for more information about E-Verify. By choosing to apply, you acknowledge that you have accessed and read the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices and understand the contents therein.

Adventist Health Job ID #66397. Posted job title: rn, surgery, first assistant, full time, day shift

About Adventist Health

Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit, integrated health system serving more than 80 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii with over 400 sites of care, including 26 acute care facilities. Founded on Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics, home care, and hospice agencies in both rural and urban communities. Our compassionate and talented team of 37,000 includes employees, physicians, allied health professionals and volunteers driven in pursuit of one mission: living God's love by inspiring health, wholeness, and hope. We are committed to staying true to our heritage by providing patient-centered, quality care. Together, we are transforming the healthcare experience with an innovative and whole-person focus on physical, mental, spiritual and social healing to support community well-being.

Benefits
  • Continuing Education
  • Bereavement
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • Health Care FSA
  • 403b retirement plan
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Life insurance
  • Holiday Pay
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Sick pay
  • Health savings account

What Adventist Health employees say

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Benefits

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