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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Peri-Operative Assistant provides hands-on support throughout the perioperative process by assisting with patient preparation and transportation, operating room setup and turnover, environmental ...

They prepare the operating room, assist the surgical team, and ensure a sterile environment. OR RNs monitor patient vital signs and advocate for patient safety throughout the procedure. They also ...

Registered Nurse - Operating Room: Duration:13 Weeks Start:06/09/2025 Registered Nurse in the ... They prepare the OR, assist the surgical team, monitor patient vitals, and ensure a sterile ...

RN - OR

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$2.4K/wk

Responsibilities * Assist in the preparation and maintenance of the operating room and surgical instruments. * Administer anesthesia under the supervision of the anesthesiologist (if applicable)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

New

RN Operating Room

Spencer, IA · On-site

$2.4K - $2.5K/wk

Duties * Assist in preparing the operating room for procedures, ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies are ready. * Provide perioperative care, including circulating and scrubbing duties, to ...

Responsibilities: * Assist in the preparation and maintenance of the operating room and surgical instruments. * Administer anesthesia under the supervision of the anesthesiologist (if applicable)

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Operating Room Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$17

$37

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Iowa is $17.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.69 and $16.84 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 Iowa?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,237 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Operating Room Asst

UnityPoint Health

Waterloo, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

269th of 889 rated healthcare providers


Job description

  • Area of Interest: Nursing Aides, Assistants, and Techs

  • FTE/Hours per pay period: 0.8

  • Department: Operating Rooms-Surgery- Logan

  • Shift: Flex start time

  • Job ID: 184379

Overview

UnityPoint Health – Allen

Peri-Operative Assistant – Surgery

Full-Time Benefits Eligible | 0.80 FTE

UnityPoint Health – Allen is seeking a dedicated Peri-Operative Assistant to support our Surgical Services team in delivering exceptional patient care. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, this role plays a vital part in ensuring patients experience a safe, efficient, and positive surgical journey.

The Peri-Operative Assistant provides hands-on support throughout the perioperative process by assisting with patient preparation and transportation, operating room setup and turnover, environmental services, and supply management. This position requires a team-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to maintaining high standards of patient safety, quality, and service.

This is a benefit-eligible 0.80 FTE position with a flexible daytime schedule. An ideal shift is 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., though start times may be adjusted to 9:00 a.m. or later based on department needs. No weekends or holidays are required.

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.   Here are just a few:    

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program .

  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.

  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family .

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Responsibilities

  • Performs specific tasks as directed by the RN and other healthcare team members per competency education. Consults and seeks out guidance from RN and/or other healthcare team members, as appropriate and when completing new or unfamiliar tasks or duties.

  • Obtains records and/or accurately enters data into the electronic medical record. Promptly completes documentation to assure an accurate legal record of patient’s care.

  • Verbally presents factual, concise, and timely information and/or patient care data to the RN, the healthcare team, patients and/or family members in a professional manner.

  • Assists in preparation of patient for procedures and transfer of patient to and from the procedure bed.

  • Transports patients utilizing proper mobilization devices. Accurately verifies and transports the patient.

  • Monitors procedure schedule to respond to the needs of the procedural teams in a timely manner.

  • Assists in room turnover by removing trash and linen, cleaning furniture and equipment according to established end of case cleaning guidelines.

  • Assist procedural team with opening and setting up procedural cases at the direction of the clinical team.

  • Assembles instruments, supplies, equipment and positioning aids needed for cases based on the surgeon’s case preference card.

  • Hand-offs will be done with attention to detail and with safety as a high priority. Hand-offs are utilized to communicate patient treatment and assessment information, patient education needs, goals of care and other quality care measures at each change of caregiver or setting of care.

  • Organizes, cleans, and maintains unit work areas, supplies and equipment.

  • Stocks procedure rooms, rotating and removing outdated stock/supplies.

  • Returns unused supplies, instruments & equipment to their proper storage area.

  • Daily, weekly and monthly checks of mobile emergency carts.

  • Daily anesthesia machine checks as needed.

  • Assists procedure team with daily terminal cleaning of operating rooms as needed.

  • Provides assistance as needed to other team members.

Qualifications

  • Requires high school diploma or GED.

  •  One year of relevant health care experience  will be considered in place of Certified Medical Assistant or completion of Nursing Assistant course.

  • Certified Medical Assistant or completion of Nursing Assistant course

  • Ability to read, write and understand English.

  • Must be able to work well with all customers, coworkers and multidisciplinary team members.

  • Must demonstrate a cooperative, courteous and dependable working performance.

  • Must possess high integrity and maintain confidentiality at all times.

  • Must be able to communicate effectively and display a positive attitude towards coworkers, staff, visitors and patients.

  • Verbally presents factual, concise, and timely information continually throughout the shift to RN and/or patient care team.

  • Exercises sound judgement, seeking advice when appropriate.

  • Directs concerns regarding patient care to RN and operating room manager or responsible staff nurses.

  • Objectively directs concerns regarding unit processes and/or hospital policies to unit manager, lead nurse or staff development coordinator.

  • Easily grasps new concepts and acquires new skills/procedures readily.

  • Hand-offs will be done with attention to detail and with safety as a high priority.

  • Hand-offs are utilized to communicate surgical schedule, goals of care and other quality care measures at each change of shift.

  • Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections; reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.

  • Maintains responsibility and accountability for the knowledge of surgical team needs.


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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995