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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Rockford, IL (NOW HIRING)

Mercyhealth

Operating Room Assistant - Days

Janesville, WI · On-site

$16.89 - $24.49/hr

OVERVIEW This role supports patient care in the operating room by preparing patients and supplies ... Maintain, assemble and disassemble equipment * Assist in patient care such as monitor application ...

GHR Healthcare

Travel OR RN

Rockford, IL · On-site

$2.7K - $2.8K/wk

Provide skilled circulating RN and scrub support in the operating room * Assist with a broad range of surgical cases, including general surgery, GYN, urology, plastics, robotics, neuro, orthopedics ...

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Rockford, IL · On-site

$69.73/hr

OR RN * Travel Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse : Rockford, IL * Travel Nurse Salary: $2789 ... As an OR Travel Nurse, you will assist physicians and medical staff in caring for surgical patients ...

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Rockford, IL · On-site

$72.83/hr

OR RN * Travel Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse : Rockford, IL * Travel Nurse Salary: $2913 ... As an OR Travel Nurse, you will assist physicians and medical staff in caring for surgical patients ...

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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 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Rockford, IL is $18.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.58 and $18.03 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 Rockford, IL?

For Operating Room Assistant jobs in Rockford, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating Room Assistant jobs in Rockford, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Room Assistant jobs in Rockford, IL are:

What cities near Rockford, IL are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rockford, IL with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:

Operating Room Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Rockford, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,786 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Operating Room Assistant - Days

Mercy Health Corporation

Janesville, WI • On-site

$16.89 - $24.49/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Mercy Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 384 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

453rd of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

OVERVIEW

This role supports patient care in the operating room by preparing patients and supplies, assisting with sterile procedures, maintaining equipment, and safely transporting patients to surgery. It also involves keeping work areas clean and safe, following infection control and safety standards, maintaining supplies and equipment, documenting care, and helping train new staff.

SCHEDULE: 40-hours per week

SHIFT: Days

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provides patient care activities as assigned and per routine, according to standards of care, shift routines, and policies and procedures.

  • Performs skills classified under sterile technique with supervision of a Precepting ORA, Scrub Tech or RN to determine correct sterility. Examples including by not limited to:

  • Retractor, limb and camera holding under physician direction.

  • Sterile supply opening and surgical skin preparation including clipping

  • Answers call lights in a timely manner.

  • Documents care activities provided according to standards.

  • Maintains a clean work and patient environment.

  • Maintains supplies, including stocking and ordering new supplies and disposing of expired or damaged supplies.

  • Floats to various units based on identified needs.

  • Participate in department or unit quality improvement activities.

  • Maintain, assemble and disassemble equipment

  • Assist in patient care such as monitor application positioning, room turnover, retractor procedure and skin preparation

  • Validation in modified scrub role including surgical scrub and gowning and gloving.

  • Safely transports patient to the OR in a timely manner ensuring they are surgery ready upon arrival.

  • Responsible for orientation of new partners to turning rooms, courier responsibilities, preparations of patients, use of laptop, supply maintenance, and new purchases and validation of equipment.

  • Adheres to AORN principles of aseptic techniques and using aseptic techniques in opening sterile supplies

  • Keeps abreast of established environmental standards (Infection control, OSHA, CDC JCAHO, State, etc)

  • Ability to properly dispose of hazardous material (blood, sharps, waste containers, etc) and laser tanks (CO2)

  • Maintain autoclave according to equipment manual and OR protocol including preparation of cleaning chemical and maintain cand clean autoclaves in a safe manner

  • Ensure that dirty case carts are transported to decontamination in a timely manner

  • Safely transports patient to the OR in a timely manner ensuring they are surgery ready upon arrival.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or equivalent preferred.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

  • Completion of Mercyhealth patient assistant orientation and competency required.

  • Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Must show patience and ability to remain calm.

  • Ability to treat patients with dignity and respect.

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION

N/A

PAY RANGE:

$16.89 - $24.49

Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision

  • Life & Disability Insurance

  • FSA/HSA Options

  • Generous, accruing paid time off

  • Paid Parental and caregiver leave

  • Career advancement and educational opportunities

  • Tuition and certification reimbursement

  • Certification Reimbursement

  • Well-being Programs

  • Employee Discounts

  • On-Demand Pay

  • Financial Education

  • Annual recognition/awards events

  • Partner appreciation days

  • Family entertainment/attractions discount

  • Community service/improvement opportunities

Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information.

At Mercyhealth, we don't simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including:

  • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50

  • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers

  • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

What Mercy Health employees say

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About Mercyhealth

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people – instead, we empower talented, dedicated health care professionals to provide the highest quality patient care possible with a passion for making lives better. As an integrated health care provider, we provide exceptional, coordinated health care. The organization consists of seven hospitals, 85+ clinics, and more than 7,500 employee-partners to serve patients in 15 counties throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. We hope you’ll consider becoming the newest member of the Mercyhealth family and join our passion for making lives better!

Industry

Hospitals, fitness and sports centers and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Janesville, WI, US

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