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Operating Room Associate Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Operating Room Nurse Seeking an Operating Room Nurse- Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma ... Qualifications Must be a US Citizen Education - Graduate degree, Bachelor's, Associate's, or ...

Operating Room RN

Seattle, WA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

About the Role The Operating Room RN plays a vital role in supporting patients through their ... Completion of an accredited nursing program (Associate's Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science ...

About the Role The Per Diem Operating Room RN plays a vital role in supporting patients through ... Completion of an accredited nursing program (Associate's Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science ...

BSN or Associate's degree * Active RN License for this state * 2 or more years of OR experience ... Why work as an Operating Room Travel Nurse in Seattle, WA? Embark on an unparalleled professional ...

RN 26 NUR152

Seattle, WA

$46.37 - $47.37/hr

... Operating Room experience . · Current ACLS and BLS certifications. · Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Benefit offerings include medical, dental, vision ...

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Operating Room Associate information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$6

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How much do operating room associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room associate in Seattle, WA is $18.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operating Room Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating Room Associate, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and medical terminology, often supported by a relevant certification such as Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or similar training. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and hospital information systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure smooth surgical operations, patient safety, and effective collaboration with surgical teams in high-stress environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Operating Room Associate, and how do they contribute to the surgical team's workflow?

Operating Room Associates play a vital role in ensuring surgeries run smoothly by preparing and maintaining sterile environments, assembling surgical instruments, and assisting with patient positioning. They frequently collaborate with nurses, surgeons, and anesthesiologists to anticipate needs and facilitate efficient procedures. Their attention to detail and ability to adapt quickly help prevent delays and support patient safety throughout each operation. This position offers hands-on experience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, making it ideal for those seeking a career in healthcare support.

What are Operating Room Associates?

Operating Room Associates are healthcare professionals who assist in the preparation, maintenance, and organization of the operating room before, during, and after surgical procedures. Their responsibilities often include ensuring that surgical instruments and supplies are properly sterilized, setting up equipment, and helping the surgical team maintain a safe and sterile environment. They may also be responsible for transporting patients and handling surgical specimens. Operating Room Associates play a crucial role in supporting surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff to ensure surgeries run smoothly and efficiently.

What is the difference between Operating Room Associate vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectOperating Room AssociateSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCPR, hospital-specific trainingCertified Surgical Technologist (CST) often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with patient prep, sterilize equipment, support surgical teamSet up operating rooms, pass instruments, maintain sterile field

Both Operating Room Associates and Surgical Technologists work in surgical settings, assisting teams during procedures. While their roles overlap in supporting surgical operations, Surgical Technologists typically have more specialized training and certification, focusing on instrument handling and sterile techniques. Operating Room Associates often perform supportive tasks and may have less formal certification. Understanding these differences can help in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Nurse (Operating Room)

$113.28K - $147.26K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Defense Health Agency rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary
About the Position: This position is located at Madigan Army Medical Center, Directorate of Nursing Operating Room in Tacoma, Washington.
This is a Direct Hire Solicitation
  • Recruitment or Relocation incentives MAY be authorized.
  • Advance-in Hire/Salary negotiation may be available to candidates who are new to Federal service.

Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Manage controlled medications in compliance with prescriptions, maintains ongoing patient documentation, and adjusts care plans as needed.
  • Implement patient specific nursing care plans, ensuring safety, positioning, infection control, aseptic practices, and medication administration.
  • Utilize a wide range of surgical equipment, from standard instruments to advanced technologies such as lasers, microscopes, endoscopes, insufflators, and robotic systems.
  • Collaborate with surgeons in designated surgical specialties to evaluate, coordinate, and apply current practices that promote efficient and cost-effective surgical care for beneficiaries.
  • Support all aspects of perioperative care (preoperative, intraoperative, PACU) and sterile processing functions.
  • Serve as an Operating Room Nurse providing perioperative nursing care in a multi-service operating room.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • A Personnel Security Investigation TIER 1 with Child Care Background Investigation (CBC) is required.
  • This position has specific initial background investigation and periodic re-verification requirements since its duties require interaction with children and youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age on a recurring basis.
  • Selectees will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption.
  • This position is a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing. Selectees will be required to consent to participation in random drug urinalysis testing.
  • A pre-placement medical examination is required.
  • Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS.
  • Applicants must be able to fulfill non-privileged professional credential requirements.
  • Moderate to heavy lifting up to 50 pounds may be required.
  • Position is designated as Mission Essential. The incumbent will be required to report to work during times of contingency operations, natural disasters, extreme weather or other emergency situations.
  • Position requires on-call or shift work (evenings, weekends, holidays).
  • Position requires rotating shifts (day, swing, night).

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Nurse (Operating Room):
Degree: A graduate or higher level degree, bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program is required. This education must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
Licensure: A current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a professional nurse from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States; and you must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination.
Foreign Degree: Graduates of foreign nursing schools must have completed the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Certification Program. The certification program consists of a credentials evaluation, the CGFNS Qualifying Exam, and evidence of passing one of the approved English Language Proficiency examinations. A copy of the CGFNS Certificate is required.
Exemption: You are exempt from the basic requirements above if you are a current federal employee occupying a position in the 0610 occupational series and have been continuously employed in this occupational series since September 27, 2017 or before. Applicants claiming this exemption must meet the requirement below. Note: You will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the respective Human Resources Office to validate your status.
Degree or diploma from a professional nursing program approved by the legally designated State accrediting agency at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
Active, current registration as a professional nurse in a State, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialize experience: Must possess one or more full years of professional nursing experience which includes circulating surgical cases in the operating room following safety protocols; operating and maintaining complex medical equipment; and educating staff and patients on surgical practices and policies. This definition of professional nursing experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience aloneno substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • Recruitment or relocation incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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