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Operating Room Nurse Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center

RN - OR

Waterloo, IA · On-site

RN - OR Operating Room Nurses Responsible for planning, executing, directing and evaluating, direct and indirect nursing care given to the surgical patient. The nursing activities may include pre ...

Spencer Hospital

RN - OR

Spencer, IA · On-site

RN - OR Operating Room Nurses Responsible for planning, executing, directing and evaluating, direct and indirect nursing care given to the surgical patient. The nursing activities may include pre ...

Mission Hospital

RN - OR

Spencer, IA · On-site

$2.6K/wk

Details Client Name Spencer Hospital Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty OR Job ID 36886984 Job Title RN - OR Weekly Pay $2606.0 Shift Details Shift 5x8 Hour Rotation Scheduled ...

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

RN - OR

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$2.8K/wk

Details Client Name UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty OR Job ID 37277125 Job Title RN - OR Weekly Pay $2807.0 Shift Details Shift 4x10 ...

Van Buren County Hospital

RN - OR

Keosauqua, IA · On-site

$2.2K/wk

Details Client Name Van Buren County Hospital - Grapetree Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty OR Job ID 37864082 Job Title RN - OR Weekly Pay $2286.0 Shift Details Shift 8H Days ...

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Operating Room Nurse information

See Iowa salary details

$15

$42

$77

How much do operating room nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room nurse in Iowa is $42.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.65 and $45.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operating room nurse?

Operating Room Nurses, also known as perioperative nurses or scrub nurses, are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. They play a critical role in preparing the operating room, assisting surgeons during operations, and monitoring patients’ vital signs throughout surgery. Operating Room Nurses ensure that the surgical environment is sterile, supplies are ready, and patient safety is maintained at all times. They work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other surgical team members. Their expertise is essential to the smooth and safe completion of surgical procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating room nurse?

To thrive as an Operating Room Nurse, you need strong clinical skills in perioperative care, knowledge of surgical procedures, and an active RN license, often with additional certification like CNOR. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterile technique, and patient monitoring systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and effective collaboration with surgical teams.

What does an operating room nurse do?

Operating room nurses assist surgeons in the operating room and care for the patients before and after their surgical procedures. The operating room nurse may work with a team that includes a scrub nurse and a circulating nurse; depending on the procedure, all are considered operating room nurses. Their duties involve handling patient care and preparing the surgical tools for use. The operating room nurse monitors the patient before and after surgery for signs of distress or problems that require immediate attention, and also explains to the patient and family members what they need to do post-surgery.

What are some common challenges faced by operating room nurses, and how can they be managed?

Operating Room Nurses often face challenges such as working in high-pressure situations, adapting to rapidly changing surgical schedules, and maintaining strict adherence to sterile techniques. Managing these challenges involves strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under stress. Many OR nurses find that building solid teamwork with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical technologists helps them adapt quickly and provide the best patient care. Ongoing professional development and mentorship can also support nurses in overcoming obstacles and advancing in their careers.

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

AspectOperating Room NurseSurgical Technologist
CredentialsRN license, OR-specific certificationsPost-secondary education, certification (e.g., CST)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities
Roles & ResponsibilitiesPatient care, monitoring, assisting during surgeryPreparing operating rooms, passing instruments

Operating Room Nurses and Surgical Technologists both work in surgical settings, but OR Nurses provide direct patient care and monitor patients during surgery, while Surgical Technologists focus on preparing the surgical environment and assisting the surgical team. Both roles require specialized certifications and are essential in the operating room environment.

How much do operating room nurses earn?

Operating room nurses, also known as perioperative nurses, typically earn a median annual salary of around $75,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the healthcare facility, geographic region, and whether the nurse has specialized skills or advanced certifications such as CNOR.
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Operating Room Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Nurse job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,829 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Travel Operating Room Nurse

Care Career

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Care Career is seeking a travel nurse RN OR - Operating Room for a travel nursing job in Des Moines, Iowa.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: OR - Operating Room
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 10 hours, rotating
  • Employment Type: Travel

Operating Room Nurses Responsible for planning, executing, directing and evaluating, direct and indirect nursing care given to the surgical patient. The nursing activities may include preoperative, intra-operative and postoperative evaluation. Operating Room Nurses may be employed in several roles including scrub, circulating or function in both roles.

Care Career Job ID #37277125. Pay package is based on 10 hour shifts and 40.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: RN OR

About Care Career

Care Career brings together a portfolio of leading healthcare staffing organizations, each delivering specialized talent solutions across the industry. Wherever you want to go, We Make It Happen.

With travel nursing jobs across the country, you can discover the possibilities that create the lifestyle and financial position that you have dreamed of.

Care Career is a modern, transparent staffing firm creating the ultimate community of US.


Benefits
  • Referral bonus
  • Weekly pay
  • Medical benefits
  • Continuing Education
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits

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