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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

UnityPoint Health

Operating Room Asst

Marshalltown, IA · On-site

Operating Room * Shift: Monday-Friday 8 hour days * Job ID: 184104 Overview Peri-Operative Assistant Marshalltown Hospital Department: Surgical Services Shift/Schedule: Full-Time | 32 Hours per Week ...

Accede Solutions Inc.

RN - OR

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

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 ...

ARMS Staffing

RN - OR

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

Provide high-quality nursing care to patients in the Operating Room. * Assist in surgical procedures and ensure patient safety. * Collaborate with surgical teams and other healthcare professionals.

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

RN - OR

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$2.4K/wk

Provide high-quality nursing care to patients in the Operating Room. * Assist in surgical procedures and ensure patient safety. * Collaborate with surgical teams and other healthcare professionals.

LanceSoft

Travel Operating Room Nurse

Des Moines, IA · On-site

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 07/27/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per ... Assistants, and Certified Nursing Assistants to work in Acute Care Centers, Skilled Nursing ...

Talent4Health

RN - Operating Room

Davenport, IA · On-site

$2.3K/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 ...

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All JobsOperating Room JobsOperating Room Assistant JobsOperating Room Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Operating Room Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$17

$37

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 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 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operating Room Assistant, and why are they important?

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 Operating Room Assistants?

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 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:
Operating Room Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,237 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Operating Room Asst

Operating Room Asst

UnityPoint Health

Marshalltown, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

299th of 880 rated healthcare providers

Job description

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

  • FTE/Hours per pay period: 0.9

  • Department: Operating Room

  • Shift: Monday-Friday 8 hour days

  • Job ID: 184104

Overview

Peri-Operative Assistant Marshalltown Hospital Department: Surgical Services Shift/Schedule: Full-Time | 32 Hours per Week | Monday–Friday | Varied Day Shift

Join the Surgical Services team at UnityPoint Health Marshalltown Hospital as a Peri-Operative Assistant, where you’ll play an important role in creating a safe, smooth, and supportive experience for patients throughout their surgical journey. In this hands-on role, you’ll help ensure patients, staff, and procedure areas are prepared for each stage of care—from pre-op to recovery.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced healthcare environment, takes pride in staying organized, and finds fulfillment in helping others. Your work behind the scenes directly supports exceptional patient care and helps our surgical team operate efficiently every day.

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

  • Support patient flow by safely transporting patients throughout the surgical department

  • Assist with patient preparation and help ensure smooth transitions before and after procedures

  • Prepare procedure rooms and assist with efficient room turnover between cases

  • Clean and maintain pre/post-op rooms, operating rooms, and procedure suites according to safety standards

  • Stock linens, equipment, and supplies to keep the department fully prepared

  • Assist with supply management, including organizing, restocking, and putting away deliveries

  • Transport lab specimens using proper safety and infection prevention practices

  • Monitor and document environmental conditions such as department temperature and humidity

  • Help maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment for patients, visitors, and team members

  • Support the surgical team with additional department needs to promote high-quality patient care

Qualifications

Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivilent

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

UnityPoint Health logo

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

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