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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Ankeny, IA (NOW HIRING)

Accede Solutions Inc.

RN - OR

Des Moines, IA · On-site

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 ...

OU Health (Parent)

RN - Operating Room

Des Moines, 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 ...

UnityPoint Health

RN - Operating Room

Norwalk, IA · On-site

Responsibilities * Assist physicians during patient exams and procedures * Room patients, record ... Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)- Active/Unencumbered RN or LPN license in ...

LanceSoft

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

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

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

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 ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

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 ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

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 ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

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 ...

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Operating Room Assistant information

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$11

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$38

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Ankeny, IA is $17.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.10 and $17.39 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 popular job titles related to Operating Room Assistant jobs in Ankeny, IA?

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

What job categories do people searching Operating Room Assistant jobs in Ankeny, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Room Assistant jobs in Ankeny, IA are:

What cities near Ankeny, IA are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ankeny, IA with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:

Operating Room Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Ankeny, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,406 per year, or $18 per hour.

RN - OR

Accede Solutions Inc.

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Registered Nurse - Operating Room:
Duration:13 Weeks
Start:06/09/2025
Job Description:
Registered Nurse in the Operating Room (OR) provides direct patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures. They prepare the OR, assist the surgical team, monitor patient vitals, and ensure a sterile environment. OR RNs advocate for patient safety and comfort throughout the perioperative process. Their role is critical in supporting successful surgical outcomes.
About Accede:
Accede Solutions is a Nationally Certified Search firm providing services in multiple sectors. We are a Women and Minority-owned Business with a strong emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). We have managed and Implemented Talent Acquisition and Talent Management processes and had successful engagement with clients in the areas of Financial Services, Technology, healthcare and professional services. We provide a full range of talent acquisition and management services designed to maximize the efficiency of your information management operation.
From executive recruiting, to contract-to-hire placement, to contract employment, we offer solutions for your day-to-day workflow issues as well as workload spikes and special projects. We also specialize in retained executive search focused on recruiting distinctive leaders and C level roles. With a track record of successfully recruiting key human capital leaders, we have earned a reputation for insightful and nuanced cultural advisory work built on a platform of strong capability supported by a rigorous and artful approach in assessing cultural fit.
We were listed as Fast 100 Asian American firm in 2023 & 2024 by USPAACC and listed as # 2115 fastest growing companies in US in INC5000
Equal Opportunity Employer: Females/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Accede is committed to equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender identity, ethnicity, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.
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