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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

$17.79 - $27.57/hr

Operating Room Assistant Operating Room Assistant provides assistance by performing routine and delegated duties. Transports patients, assists with patient positioning for anesthesia as directed.

Operating Room Assistant

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$17.79 - $27.57/hr

Operating Room Assistant Operating Room Assistant provides assistance by performing routine and delegated duties. Transports patients, assists with patient positioning for anesthesia as directed.

Provide skilled nursing care in the cardiothoracic operating room * Assist with CVOR and operating room procedures within scope of practice * Prepare patients, equipment, and surgical environment for ...

RN - OR- Operating Room - Travel Location: Peoria, IL Type: Travel Schedule: 3x12 Days Time: 13 ... Circulate and assist in pediatric general cases, pediatric/adult ENT, dental, urology ...

Ref. 64326509 RN - OR- Operating Room $3,183.60 per week * Location: Chicago, IL * Type: Travel ... Provide expert nursing care for surgical patients in the OR * Assist with a variety of procedures ...

Collaborate with a team of surgical techs and CNAs to ensure efficient operation turnover * Handle ... the RN - OR Operating Room * Active RN license in Illinois * BLS certification required (AHA)

Responsibilities • Provide skilled nursing care in the cardiothoracic operating roomAssist with CVOR and operating room procedures within scope of practice • Prepare patients, equipment, and ...

Collaborate with surgical teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes. * Assist in maintaining a sterile and safe operating room. * Be available for on-call rotations, approximately once a week.

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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 Illinois?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Illinois as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Operating Room Assistant

On-site

$17.79 - $27.57/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

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Operating Room Assistant

Job Description

Operating Room Assistant provides assistance by performing routine and delegated duties. Transports patients, assists with patient positioning for anesthesia as directed. Cleans and disinfects instruments, maintains inventory levels and stocks supplies, and assists with equipment.

Department: Operating Room

Hours: Full-time/40 hours per week.

Required: HS Diploma; BLS/CPR within 90 days of hire.

Pay: Based on experience, starting at $17.79

Responsibilities

Assists with transfer and transport of patients. Assists with moving and/or positioning patients for procedures., Assist with patient positioning for procedure, preps and with restless and combative patients under the direction of RN and Anesthesia staff., Coordinates preventative maintenance on anesthesia equipment. Prepares hospital anesthesia charges and send for processing., Delivers and/or retrieves specimens, X-ray films, pharmaceuticals, supplies and equipment., Demonstrates knowledge of basic aseptic techniques., Maintains equipment by cleaning, disinfecting and reporting equipment in need of repair. Assists with transportation of specialty equipment to and from OR suites., Obtains and prepares equipment and supplies for cleaning flat surfaces, drains and operating rooms between each case. Cleans and disinfects instruments and equipment between procedures., Participates in self-evaluation., Participates in self-evaluation., Performs daily, weekly, monthly, project cleaning as assigned, i.e. supply and equipment cabinets, special equipment etc., Prepares and processes instruments for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization as requested by nursing staff. Operates and maintains Steris and autoclave units in the Surgery Department. Performs daily diagnostic tests and incubates biological indicators. Maintains logs., Prepares linen packs for use in OR., Removes trash, sharps containers and soiled linen from department including lounges, offices and storage areas., Stocks and orders supplies daily as needed and at end of shift with fluids, linens and supplies. Checks pre-op holding area, storeroom and center core cabinets, scrub sink shelves. Restocks exchange carts as needed. Keeps areas neat and organized., Utilizes surgeon preference card and case cart pick list to competently prepare for operative procedures.

Requirements

High School (Required)BLS or CPR certification (within 90 days of hire) - Sarah Bush Lincoln

Compensation

Estimated Compensation Range

$17.79 - $27.57

Pay based on experience