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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Travel Nurse RN - OR Circulate

Grants, NM · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Travel Minimum 1-2 years of Operating Room experience as a Circulator strongly preferred ... Assistants, and Certified Nursing Assistants to work in Acute Care Centers, Skilled Nursing ...

RN - OR

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$2.4K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... Title RN - OR Weekly Pay $2432.94 Shift Details Shift 10 Hour Day Scheduled Hours 40 Job Order ... In-house clinical team available to assist and advocate * 401k Retirement Plan: Eligible after ...

Travel OR RN

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care. * Help control bleeding. * Suture patients following surgery. OR Travel Nurses should be ...

Showing results 41-60

Operating Room Assistant information

See New Mexico salary details

$10

$16

$35

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in New Mexico is $16.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.05 and $16.00 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 New Mexico?

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in New Mexico are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in New Mexico are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs?

Cities in New Mexico with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,421 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN) -FT/40HRS- $10K SIGN ON BONUS

i4 Search Group Healthcare

Santa Fe, NM

$30 - $48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description


POSITION TYPE: Registered Nurse (RN) Up to $15K Sign on Bonus

SPECIALTY UNIT: Operating Room - OR

LOCATION: Santa Fe, NM

SHIFT: Days & Nights

JOB TYPE: Full-Time Permanent

 

Job Description:

We are looking for a competent RN - Operating Room Nurse to join our dynamic dream team of healthcare professionals in order to provide the highest quality care making critical decisions and leading on clinical issues within a person-centered care model.

Our ideal RN -Operating Room candidate is a compassionate individual with a friendly personality, always ready to go the extra mile to ensure the comfort and well-being of our patients. You will assist surgeons during operations and keep the operating room sterile at all times. Furthermore, you will be responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient care of the patient in the operating room.

To be a successful RN - Operating Room Nurse, you need to possess phenomenal efficiency and attention to detail with a strong knowledge of operation procedures and patient safety. Being sympathetic and sensitive is a prerequisite for the profession. As an operating room nurse, you'll go one step further by being a critical thinker and fast to act in emergencies.

Responsibilities:

●       Assess patients prior to surgery and alleviate their concerns.

●       Ensure that the Operating Room is prepared with all necessary supplies, implants, instrumentation, and equipment.

●       Keep the operating room sterilized at all times.

●       Position and prepare the patient on the operating table.

●       Pass medical instruments to the surgeons during operation.

●       Monitor the patient’s vital signs to detect anomalies.

●       Evaluate patients in postoperative phases.

●       Reviews charts for completeness, in accordance with documentation protocols prior to and after the surgical procedure

●       Adhere to all relevant health and safety standards.

●       Communicate with patients, teammates, and physicians to ensure continuity of care.

Job Benefits:

●     Competitive Salary

●     Direct Deposit

●     401K

●     Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits

●     Employee discount program

●     Excellent room for growth and advancement

Requirements:

●       Minimum of 1 year of recent experience as an RN in a clinical setting.

●       Active RN license within the State of practice.

●       Current certifications (variable depending on the facility).

●     Proven experience as an operating room nurse (circulating and scrub).

●     In-depth knowledge of surgical operation procedures.

●     Excellent knowledge of aseptic and sterile techniques.

●     Solid understanding of patient safety and precautions.

●     Compassionate and friendly personality

●     Critical thinker and problem solver

●     A great team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

●     Exceptional organizational and time management skills.