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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Pasadena, CA (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Nurse III - Operating Room

Duarte, CA · On-site

$39 - $53.25/hr

As a successful candidate, you will: * Assist in surgical procedures related to cancer treatment, including tumor removal, organ resection, and reconstructive surgery. * Ensure the operating room is ...

As a successful candidate, you will: * Assist in surgical procedures related to cancer treatment, including tumor removal, organ resection, and reconstructive surgery. * Ensure the operating room is ...

As a successful candidate, you will: * Assist in surgical procedures related to cancer treatment, including tumor removal, organ resection, and reconstructive surgery. * Ensure the operating room is ...

As a successful candidate, you will: Assist in surgical procedures related to cancer treatment, including tumor removal, organ resection, and reconstructive surgery. Ensure the operating room is ...

The Registered Nurse in the Operating Room will provide skilled nursing care in an ambulatory ... Circulate during surgical procedures to assist the surgical team and manage patient care.

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Operating Room Assistant information

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$42

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Pasadena, CA is $19.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.31 and $19.00 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 Pasadena, CA?

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Pasadena, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Operating Room Assistant jobs in Pasadena, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Operating Room Assistant jobs in Pasadena, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Room Assistant jobs in Pasadena, CA are:

What cities near Pasadena, CA are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs?

Cities near Pasadena, CA with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Pasadena, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,876 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Registered Nurse - Operating Room (PRN)

Denver Health

Van Nuys, CA • On-site

$36 - $57.77/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Denver Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

201st of 1,065 rated hospitals


Job description

Registered Nurse - Operating Room (PRN)

We are recruiting for a mission-driven Registered Nurse - Operating Room (PRN) to join our team!

We're with you for life's journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn't just something we believe in—it's something we live every day, for life's journey.

Our Values

Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency

Department

Operating Room

The Denver Health Inpatient Operating Room is an 11-room, highly specialized surgical unit that provides 24/7 surgical care to patients with complex and high-acuity needs. Serving the community of Denver, the State of Colorado, and surrounding states, the unit supports a full spectrum of surgical services through continuous staffing, which minimizes the need for call while maintaining exceptional patient care.

Staffed by a highly experienced and skilled clinical team, the Inpatient OR specializes in a wide range of surgery services, including:

  • General surgery
  • Trauma
  • Spine and neurosurgery
  • Bariatric
  • Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
  • Genitourinary and Gynecology (GU/GYN)
  • Plastics and Hand
  • Gender affirmation
  • Pediatrics
  • Oral maxillofacial and Dental
  • Ophthalmology
  • Orthopedics
  • Oncology
  • Vascular surgery

The unit also houses a state-of-the-art Hybrid Operating Room, allowing for advanced image-guided vascular and endovascular procedures.

Additionally, the Denver Health Bariatric Surgery Center—located within the inpatient OR—is the only MBSAQIP-certified (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program) hospital in Denver serving both adolescents (ages 16–20) and adults (ages 21–65).

The nurse-to-patient ratio in the Inpatient OR is 1:1, ensuring highly personalized surgical care.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, adheres to the American Nurses Association (ANA) standards of professional nursing and performance, and the ANA Code of Ethics to provide care to all healthcare consumers. Applies critical thinking, evidence-based practices and competence to collaborate with the health care team to promote excellence in healthcare consumer safety and quality outcomes. Utilizes the Theory of Human Caring and Caritas in daily practice.

Essential Functions:

  • Assess the needs of individuals, families and/or communities to identify potential health or safety problems (15%)
  • Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records (10%)
  • Monitor, record and report symptoms and changes in patient's condition and vital signs (10%)
  • Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patient's responses and conditions (10%)
  • Develop and modify patient care plans as indicated by patient's responses and conditions (10%)
  • Prepare patients for, and assist with examinations and treatments (10%)
  • Consult and coordinate with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care (5%)
  • Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity (5%)
  • Direct and supervise less skilled nursing/health care personnel (5%)
  • Instruct individuals and families on health education and disease prevention and after care (5%)
  • Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent or disabled patients (5%)
  • Medication administration, documentation and reassessment (5%)
  • Promote positive patient experience (5%)

Education:

  • Associate's Degree Required

Work Experience:

  • 1 year of OR experience or completion of Periop 101 Required

Licenses:

  • BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - AHA - American Heart Association or American Red Cross Required
  • ACLS-Advanced Cardiac Life Support - AHA - American Heart Association Required
  • Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) - Preferred
  • RN-Registered Nurse - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Adherence to Standards of Professional Nursing Practice/ Process / Performance [ANA Standards addendum- signed] and accrediting body standards.
  • Ensures all duties, responsibilities and competencies are conducted in a manner that is effective and appropriate to patients/clients to who care/service is being provided.
  • Demonstrates knowledge and applicability of the principles of growth and development over the life span, as well as demonstrating the ability to assess data reflecting the patient's status and interpreting appropriate cultural information of the patient(s) to whom care/ services is being delivered/provided.
  • Employee has completed and met their clinical competency standards
  • Ability to use medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care.
  • Skilled in maintaining effective working relationship with patients, employees, and the public.
  • Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations
  • Ability to interpret adapt and apply guidelines and procedures
  • Ability to communicate clearly.
  • Microsoft Office Suite required.
  • EPIC documentation preferred.

Shift

Rotating (Days and Nights) (United States of America)

Work Type

PRN/Intermittent

Salary

$36.00 - $57.77 / hr

Benefits

At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future — with exceptional retirement contributions, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development — while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you're joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.

Here is a small list of our benefit programs:

  • Social security replacement retirement plan with employer contribution of 3%
  • On-site employee fitness center and wellness classes
  • Community resource navigation support
  • Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more
  • Education & development opportunities including career pathways and coaching

About Denver Health

Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic healthcare system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver's 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorado's primary, and essential, safety-net healthcare system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year.

Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.

Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.


What Denver Health employees say

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