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Operating Room Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Operating Room Intern information

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How much do operating room intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room intern in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the big 4 internships?

The 'Big 4' internships typically refer to the four largest professional services firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These firms offer internships in areas such as accounting, consulting, audit, and advisory, providing valuable experience for aspiring professionals in these fields.

What do you do as a surgical intern?

A surgical intern assists surgeons by preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, and observing surgeries to gain hands-on experience. They may also help with patient documentation, follow safety protocols, and learn surgical techniques under supervision.

What does an operation intern do?

An operating room intern assists surgical teams by preparing equipment, maintaining sterile environments, and observing procedures to gain hands-on experience. They may also help with patient positioning and documentation under supervision, often requiring knowledge of medical protocols and safety standards.

What are Operating Room Interns?

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.

Is 22 too old for an internship?

Operating Room internships are typically open to individuals of various ages, including those in their early twenties. Age is generally not a barrier as long as candidates meet the educational and certification requirements, such as relevant healthcare training or certifications. Employers value skills, dedication, and relevant experience over age in internship programs.

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 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.

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 cities are hiring for Operating Room Intern jobs? Cities with the most Operating Room Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs? The most popular types of Operating Room jobs are:
What states have the most Operating Room Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Operating Room Intern jobs include:
Operating Room Nurse in Bowling Green, KY

Operating Room Nurse in Bowling Green, KY

Vivian Health

Bowling Green, KY • On-site

$36.25 - $49.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

New Grad RN Competitive Sign-On Bonus available for all qualified candidates

Introduction

Do you currently have an opportunity to make a real impact with your work? With over 2,000 sites of care and serving over 31.2 million patient interactions every year, nurses at TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital have the opportunity to make a real impact. As a(an) Operating Room Nurse you can be a part of change.

Benefits

TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and behavioral health coverage as well as free telemedicine services and free AirMed medical transportation.
  • Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, supplemental health protection plans (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity), auto and home insurance, identity theft protection, legal counseling, long-term care coverage, moving assistance, pet insurance and more.
  • Free counseling services and resources for emotional, physical and financial wellbeing
  • 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 10% off HCA Healthcare stock
  • Family support through fertility and family building benefits with Progyny and adoption assistance.
  • Referral services for child, elder and pet care, home and auto repair, event planning and more
  • Consumer discounts through Abenity and Consumer Discounts
  • Retirement readiness, rollover assistance services and preferred banking partnerships
  • Education assistance (tuition, student loan, certification support, dependent scholarships)
  • Colleague recognition program
  • Time Away From Work Program (paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence)
  • Employee Health Assistance Fund that offers free employee-only coverage to full-time and part-time colleagues based on income.

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

It is an exciting time to be a nurse at HCA Healthcare! Come unlock your career potential and see how rewarding it can be to reach your personal and professional goals. Help to advance the practice of nursing and improve positive outcomes for your patients as a (an) Operating Room Nurse. We want your knowledge and expertise!

Job Summary and Qualifications Course Description

The Nurse Residency Program is focused on training licensed Registered Nurses with no prior operating room experience to work in the intra-operative environment. This program is open to nurses who are either new graduates or seasoned nurses with a non-surgical background. This internship prepares nurses with the foundational skills that are essential for providing safe patient care in the operating room. 

This program is open to all Nashville area TriStar medical centers including Centennial, Summit, Southern Hills, StoneCrest, Horizon, Skyline, Hendersonville, Greenview and NorthCrest. Residents from all facilities will start the program as a cohort and attend didactic classroom days together. Clinical hours will be completed in the intern’s facility and department of hire. For example, if you are hired to work at Skyline, all your clinical hours will be completed at Skyline. An active nursing license in good standing for the state of your hiring facility (Tennessee or Kentucky) is required to begin the program. 

AORN Periop 101: A Core Curriculum

Used as the foundation for this internship, The Association for Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Periop 101: A Core Curriculum is a comprehensive, online education program based on the latest, evidence-based Guidelines for Perioperative Practice. These HealthStream eLearning modules will align with classroom topics and clinical objectives. As a Nurse Resident, you will receive a complimentary one-year free membership to AORN. Your membership gives you full access to additional tools, resources, and continuing education. 

Final Exam

Upon completion of the Periop 101 eLearning modules and classroom theory portion of this program, you will take a final exam, which tests your knowledge of the AORN guidelines. The exam is proctored and closed-book. You may not use notes. The exam is 115 questions and you will have 4 hours to complete it. You are allowed 3 attempts to pass the exam with 80% or above. You will receive your score immediately upon completion. If you do not pass after three attempts, you may be required to retake the entire course before attempting to take the exam again. If you are engaged in class and study the eLearning module content, you will successfully complete this didactic test. 

Clinical Expectations

During the 5-month program, interns will work five 8-hour days (Monday – Friday). Alternative shifts will be at the discretion of the hiring manager after completion of the program. Clinical start times may vary depending on the schedule of your preceptor. For example, if your preceptor starts their shift at 0630, you will be expected to start at 0630. 

This program helps you develop the foundational skills of the perioperative RN. You will still be a novice when you graduate and will continue to gain specialty experiences following completion of the program. Departmental and service line orientation will build on foundational skills learned in the internship program. 

Regular rounding and progress meetings will be set with the course instructors, preceptors, and managers to track the resident’s progress. 

Time and Attendance

Attendance and punctuality are required during the didactic portions of the program. Exceptions for clinical will be made on a case by case basis. Missing a day of lecture/simulation is not permitted. For clinical days, please refer to your facility’s attendance policy. 

Completion Criteria

Nurse Residents must demonstrate successful completion of the following criteria in order to graduate from the internship: 

• AORN Periop 101 Exam with a score of 80% or greater (3 total attempts) 

• Final grade of 75% or greater 

• Completion of all course assignments and objective assessments 

• Professionalism Requirement 

• Attend at least one Middle Tennessee Chapter AORN meeting 

Residents that do not meet the above criteria must meet with surgery management, preceptor, and education team to develop an individualized action plan, which may include remediation, reassignment, or resignation from the program.  

Position Details: 

  • Self/preferential scheduling posted four weeks in advance for you to have predictability in your schedule 
  • Culture of mutual respect and collaboration among all surgical staff 
  • Continuous investment in equipment including surgical instruments, devices and patient positioning for you to do your best work with patient safety and workflow efficiency in the Operating Room 
  • Rounding with unit leaders, including charge nurses, to ensure your voice is heard on suggestions for patient care and surgical workflow improvement 
  • On-call is required during select non-business hours 

What you will do in this role: 

  • Evaluate patients prior to surgery 
  • Provide patient and family education surrounding the procedure and peri-operative process
  • Assume responsibility for patient preparation, including intravenous therapy, preoperative medications, and surgical site verification 
  • Participate in surgical site verification, including briefing, time out, debriefing, and universal protocols, according to hospital policy 
  • Recognize and respond to patient emergencies 
  • Deliver high-quality, patient-centered care while managing evidence-based practices and continuous improvement initiatives 
  • Be an integral member of a dynamic interdisciplinary team – consisting of the provider(s), surgeons, surgical technologists and more 
  • Consistently apply the nursing process, critical thinking skills, scientific judgment, technical skills and leadership to independently deliver safe nursing care to patients
  • Assess patient condition, monitor throughout your shift, and document changes in patient condition along with the care provided thoroughly 
  • Educate patients and families/caregivers about the patient’s medical condition, treatment and follow-up measures 
What qualifications you will need:
  • Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date
  • (RN) Registered Nurse
  • Associate Degree
  • Open to New Graduates or seasoned nurses with a non-surgical background

TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital is a 200+ bed facility serving Southern Kentucky and surrounding areas. Recognized by the Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures®, TriStar Greenview is a national leader in providing quality healthcare. Home of Kentucky's first CardioMEMS HF System, we are also an accredited chest pain center that provides state-of-the-art cardiac care to patients managing heart failure. The facility is also a Certified Primary Stroke Center.

"There is so much good to do in the world and so many different ways to do it."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

Be a part of an organization that leverages our size to make a real impact in our industry! Our Talent Acquisition team is reviewing applications for our Operating Room Nurse opening. Submit your application today and help advance the practice of nursing.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.