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Operating Room Intern Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

You can pick a primary area while still having room to cross over. We'll match projects to your ... Familiarity with Operating Systems concepts (e.g. schedulers, mutexes, virtual memory) * Experience ...

You can pick a primary area while still having room to cross over. We'll match projects to your ... Familiarity with Operating Systems concepts (e.g. schedulers, mutexes, virtual memory) * Experience ...

You can pick a primary area while still having room to cross over. We'll match projects to your ... Familiarity with Operating Systems concepts (e.g. schedulers, mutexes, virtual memory) * Experience ...

The Role We're bringing on a PM intern to support the Host Squad product team during a high ... Comfort operating with ambiguity - we'll give you context and direction, but you'll need to drive ...

The Role We're bringing on a PM intern to support the Host Squad product team during a high ... Comfort operating with ambiguity - we'll give you context and direction, but you'll need to drive ...

The Role We're bringing on a PM intern to support the Host Squad product team during a high ... Comfort operating with ambiguity - we'll give you context and direction, but you'll need to drive ...

The Role We're bringing on a PM intern to support the Host Squad product team during a high ... Comfort operating with ambiguity - we'll give you context and direction, but you'll need to drive ...

The Role We're bringing on a PM intern to support the Host Squad product team during a high ... Comfort operating with ambiguity - we'll give you context and direction, but you'll need to drive ...

The Role We're bringing on a PM intern to support the Host Squad product team during a high ... Comfort operating with ambiguity - we'll give you context and direction, but you'll need to drive ...

The Role We're bringing on a PM intern to support the Host Squad product team during a high ... Comfort operating with ambiguity - we'll give you context and direction, but you'll need to drive ...

The Role We're bringing on a PM intern to support the Host Squad product team during a high ... Comfort operating with ambiguity - we'll give you context and direction, but you'll need to drive ...

Operating Room Intern information

What is an operating room intern?

Operating Room Interns are students or recent graduates who work in hospital operating rooms to gain hands-on experience in surgical procedures and patient care. They assist surgical teams by preparing equipment, maintaining sterile environments, and sometimes observing or shadowing during surgeries. This role allows interns to learn about surgical protocols, teamwork, and the fast-paced environment of an operating room. The internship helps prepare them for further medical or nursing education and future careers in healthcare.

What are some common challenges faced by an operating room intern during their training period?

Operating Room Interns often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced, high-pressure environment and learning to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists. Interns must quickly become familiar with strict surgical protocols, infection control measures, and the proper handling of specialized equipment. Building confidence while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and time management skills is crucial, as errors can have significant consequences. Support from experienced staff helps interns overcome these challenges and grow professionally.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating room intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating Room Intern, you need foundational knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and basic patient care, usually acquired through coursework in nursing or allied health programs. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this fast-paced environment. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and successful collaboration with the surgical team.

What is the difference between Operating Room Intern vs Operating Room Technician?

AspectOperating Room InternOperating Room Technician
CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recently completed a healthcare-related program; no formal certification requiredCertified or licensed, often with a surgical technologist certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, assisting in surgeries under supervisionOperating rooms, assisting surgical teams with instruments and supplies
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, medical schools, internships for studentsHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles and training opportunitiesClarifying job responsibilities and certification requirements

While Operating Room Interns are typically students gaining hands-on experience under supervision, Operating Room Technicians are trained professionals with certifications responsible for supporting surgical procedures. Interns focus on learning, whereas technicians perform routine technical tasks in the operating room.

How to get operating room intern experience?

To gain operating room intern experience, students typically pursue internships or shadowing opportunities in hospitals or surgical centers, often requiring relevant coursework in healthcare or biology. Developing skills in sterile techniques, patient care, and understanding surgical procedures can enhance your qualifications; some programs may also require certifications like CPR or basic life support. Gaining hands-on experience through volunteering or assisting healthcare professionals can also be beneficial.

What do you do as an operating room intern?

An operating room intern assists surgical teams by preparing equipment, sterilizing instruments, and supporting staff during procedures. They observe surgeries to gain hands-on experience and may perform basic tasks under supervision, often requiring knowledge of sterile techniques and hospital protocols.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Operating Room Intern jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Operating Room Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Room Intern job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Nurse Manager of Operations-Operating Room

Northwestern Medicine

Palos Heights, IL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Northwestern Medicine rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 392 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The Manager, Operations reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. The Manager, Operations provides autonomous and direct management of a team or teams.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage day-to-day operations of designated departments, divisions, programs, services and/or locations. This includes defining and overseeing workflows and staffing in the department, re-directing resources to critical areas as needed, developing operating and capital budgets, monitoring budget performance including explaining variances and defining and applying corrective action to ensure compliance with the budget as needed. 24/7 accountability
  • Provide support, guidance, and supervision to team members by ensuring that the team members maintain competencies in addressing behavioral, social, financial, and environmental issues for patients to achieve optimum clinical quality, patient satisfaction, and cost-effective care.  Support the team by preparing and delivering annual and mid-year reviews, coaching through the resolution of complex situations that involve practice issues and customer relations, ensuring that they have the tools, including technology, to perform their roles and identifying areas in need of improvement and acting upon them with the appropriate NM system partners.
  • Recommend department goals to department leadership; plan and advance progress toward the goals throughout the year.  Communicate goal achievement timelines, risks and decisions needed with all appropriate leadership teams on a regular cadence.  
  • Ensure department policies and processes meet current standards of the Joint Commission and all federal, state, and regulations. Revise and/or create new policies and processes as needed to meet changing regulations and the evolution of patient care delivery. Target quality improvement by reducing process variation, eliminating redundancy or implementing new technology.
  • To manage escalations, interpret information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to the patient's age-specific needs using principles of growth and development over the life span.  Connect those with the resources required to coordinate each patient's care.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities:

Business expertise

  • Knowledge of Joint Commission standards and all federal, state, and regulatory requirements.
  • Ability to analyze data for decision making purposes and make data-driven recommendations.
  • Ability to create budgets in accordance with guidelines and balanced to targets.
  • Ability to effectively apply the principles of change management while leading.
  • Strong computing skills, including Microsoft Office applications, Outlook and the EMR.
  • Attentive to detail and reviews own and others' work for accuracy.

Problem solving

  • Effectively and autonomously handles challenging situations, including identifying stakeholders and defining and communicating required action and roles in a compressed time frame.
  • Effectively balances multiple priorities, seeking guidance when in doubt.
  • Calmly and easily responds to changes in work environment, delays or unexpected events.
  • Provides guidance and supervision to team members by problem solving complex situations that involve practice operations, customer relations, and employee relations issues

Interactions/interpersonal skills

  • NMHC Performance Leadership Competencies (from performance management system)
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients, physicians, management, staff and other customers, internal and external to NM.
  • Projects confidence, professionalism, interest and optimism when leading others in the workplace; guided by the servant leadership philosophy.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality for patients and their families, as outlined in the Northwestern Memorial HealthCare Patient Confidentiality policy.
Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in nursing with master's degree or master's degree in nursing**
    • ** Exceptions considered for applicants with a Bachelor's degree and actively enrolled in a master's program.  External and internal applicants must be within 1 year of completion.
  • Three years of nursing or health care experience, demonstrating increasing responsibilities
  • Basic life support (BLS) certification
  • Current clinical license in the state in which the hospital resides
  • Magnet recognized certification for specialty area

Preferred:

  • Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family. 


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