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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

OU Health (Parent)

RN - Operating Room

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$2.4K/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Boone, IA · On-site

$66.65/hr

OR RN * Travel Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse : Boone, IA * Travel Nurse Salary: $2666/Week ... As an OR Travel Nurse, you will assist physicians and medical staff in caring for surgical patients ...

LanceSoft

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/08/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per ... 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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How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Des Moines, IA is $18.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $17.48 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 Des Moines, IA?

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

What are popular job titles related to Operating Room Assistant jobs in Des Moines, IA?

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

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

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

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

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

Operating Room Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Des Moines, 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 $37,616 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - OR - Operating Room

LanceSoft

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

LanceSoft is seeking a travel nurse RN OR - Operating Room for a travel nursing job in Des Moines, Iowa.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: OR - Operating Room
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 09/08/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, rotating
  • Employment Type: Travel

Day 1 Dental, Health, Vision insurance. Referral bonus and extension bonus.

LanceSoft Job ID #j97cp68npj4pr4kmpqbe4r2hfx8csgcp. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: RN OR - Operating Room

About LanceSoft

Established in 2000, LanceSoft is a Certified MBE and Woman-Owned organization. Lancesoft Inc. is one of the highest rated companies in the industry. We have been recognized as one of the Largest Staffing firms and ranked in the top 50 fastest Growing Healthcare Staffing firms in 2022. Lancesoft offers short- and long-term contracts, permanent placements, and travel opportunities to credentialed and experienced professionals throughout the United States. We pride ourselves on having industry leading benefits. We understand the importance of partnering with an expert who values your needs, which is why we’re 100% committed to finding you an assignment that best matches your career and lifestyle goals. Our team of experienced career specialists takes the time to understand your needs and match you with the right job Lancesoft has been chosen by Staffing Industry Analysts as one of the Best Staffing Firms to Work for.LanceSoft specializes in providing Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, LPNs/LVNs, Social Workers, Medical Assistants, and Certified Nursing Assistants to work in Acute Care Centers, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Long-Term Care centers, Rehab Facilities, Behavioral Health Centers, Drug & Alcohol Facilities, Home Health & Community Health, Urgent Care Clinics, and many other provider-based facilities.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Medical benefits
LanceSoft logo

About LanceSoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Established in 2000, LanceSoft is a Certified MBE and Woman-Owned organization. Lancesoft Inc. is one of the highest rated companies in the industry. We have been recognized as one of the Largest Staffing firms and ranked in the top 50 fastest Growing Healthcare Staffing firms in 2022. Lancesoft offers short- and long-term contracts, permanent placements, and travel opportunities to credentialed and experienced professionals throughout the United States. We pride ourselves on having industry leading benefits. We understand the importance of partnering with an expert who values your needs, which is why we're 100% committed to finding you an assignment that best matches your career and lifestyle goals. Our team of experienced career specialists takes the time to understand your needs and match you with the right job Lancesoft has been chosen by Staffing Industry Analysts as one of the Best Staffing Firms to Work for.LanceSoft specializes in providing Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, LPNs/LVNs, Social Workers, Medical Assistants, and Certified Nursing Assistants to work in Acute Care Centers, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Long-Term Care centers, Rehab Facilities, Behavioral Health Centers, Drug & Alcohol Facilities, Home Health & Community Health, Urgent Care Clinics, and many other provider-based facilities.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2000

Social media

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