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Operating Room Circulating Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Magna Surgical Center

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Operating Room Circulating Nurse/Certified Scrub Tech

Bedford Park, IL · On-site

$39.54 - $54.10/hr

The circulating nurse is part of the multi-disciplinary team which works collaboratively in providing professional nursing care in the operative setting to patients undergoing surgical or other ...

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Operating Room Circulating Nurse information

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How much do operating room circulating nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room circulating nurse in the United States is $45.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.82 and $48.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operating room circulating nurse?

Operating Room Circulating Nurses are registered nurses who play a critical role during surgical procedures by managing the overall environment in the operating room. They do not scrub in or perform hands-on surgery, but instead coordinate care by ensuring all necessary supplies and equipment are available, maintaining sterile conditions, and communicating between the surgical team and other hospital staff. Circulating nurses are responsible for patient safety and documentation throughout the surgical process. Their presence helps ensure that surgeries run smoothly and efficiently.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an operating room circulating nurse?

To succeed as an Operating Room Circulating Nurse, you need a solid background in perioperative nursing, critical thinking, and a valid RN license, often with additional certification such as CNOR. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterile techniques, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential. Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable seamless coordination with surgical teams and support staff. These skills are vital to maintaining patient safety, efficient workflow, and optimal outcomes during surgical procedures.

What challenges does an operating room circulating nurse face during a surgical procedure?

Operating Room Circulating Nurses often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks under pressure, ensuring strict adherence to sterile techniques, and efficiently communicating with the surgical team. They must be prepared to quickly address any unexpected equipment needs or changes in the patient’s condition. Balancing documentation responsibilities while anticipating the needs of both the patient and the surgical team is key to maintaining a safe and effective operating environment.

What is the difference between Operating Room Circulating Nurse vs Scrub Nurse?

AspectOperating Room Circulating NurseScrub Nurse
CredentialsRN license, OR experienceRN license, OR experience
Work EnvironmentCoordinates patient care, manages suppliesAssists surgeons directly, handles sterile instruments
Job RoleOversees OR activities, ensures safetyPrepares sterile field, hands instruments

The Operating Room Circulating Nurse and Scrub Nurse both work in the OR and require RN licensure. The circulating nurse manages overall patient care and OR coordination, while the scrub nurse focuses on assisting surgeons with sterile instruments. Both roles are essential for smooth surgical procedures, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Where do operating room circulating nurses make the most money?

Operating room circulating nurses tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and strong healthcare systems, such as major metropolitan areas or states with competitive healthcare markets. Factors like experience, certifications, and hospital type also influence earning potential, with larger hospitals and teaching institutions often offering higher pay. Overall, salaries are generally highest in urban centers with advanced medical facilities.
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What states have the most Operating Room Circulating Nurse jobs?

States with the most job openings for Operating Room Circulating Nurse jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Operating Room Circulating Nurse jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Room Circulating Nurse jobs are:

Operating Room Circulating Nurse jobs near you

Operating Room Circulating Nurse/Certified Scrub Tech

Magna Surgical Center

Bedford Park, IL • On-site

$39.54 - $54.10/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

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Key responsibilities

  • Direct patient care in the operating room and ensure all supplies and equipment are sterile and available for procedures

  • Circulate during surgical cases, observe patient condition changes, and communicate with anesthesia and surgeons

  • Maintain sterile technique, keep track of surgical instruments and specimens, and ensure medications are administered and charted

Job description

Our ideal candidate:

  • Passionate about providing high quality patient care to their patients
  • Ability to take responsibility for their actions
  • Communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary health care team
  • Ability to think critically in high stress situations

Responsibilities include:

The circulating nurse is part of the multi-disciplinary team which works collaboratively in providing professional nursing care in the operative setting to patients undergoing surgical or other invasive procedures.

  • Responsible for directing patient care in the operating room
  • Must be comfortable with Circulating the following cases: Plastics, General, OB-GYN, Neuro (Pain), Eyes.
  • Knowledge of sterile technique
  • Maintaining a count of sponges, needles, and other instruments used in the OR
  • Primarily Circulate, but scrub experience is a plus
  • Preparing the operating room, positioning the patient, ensuring all supplies and equipment necessary are sterile and available for the procedure
  • Observing any changes in the patient’s condition and communicating with anesthesia and surgeon with observed changes
  • Ensuring medications are administered and charted
  • Caring for specimens

Job Requirements:

  • Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; BSN preferred
  • Previous operating room experience
  • Current Illinois license
  • BLS (Required) and ACLS (Preferred)
  • Ability to work different shifts in order to accommodate staffing
  • Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other team member, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Application Question(s):

  • How many years of operating room experience do you have?

Education:

  • Bachelors (Preferred)

Experience:

  • Operating Room/Circulating Nurse Experience

License/Certification:

  • Illinois RN License (Required)
  • BLS Certification (Required)
  • ACLS Certification (Preferred)
  • PALS (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $39.54 - $54.10 per hour

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Continuing education credits
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance

Medical Specialty:

  • Surgery

Application Question(s):

  • How many years of operating room experience do you have?
  • Do you have circulating experience?

Education:

  • Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

  • Nursing: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

  • BLS Certification (Preferred)
  • RN License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Company Description

The Center provides exceptional patient centered care in full range of surgical specialties. We are licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Accredited by The Joint Commission and Medicare Certified. We have great physicians and team members! Come join our growing team!