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Operating Room Nurse Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

RN Operating Room

Wyoming, MN · On-site

$42.93 - $71.46/hr

This Operating Room Nurse position will be working 72 hours every two weeks on the rotating day/evening/night shift and 8 hour shifts. Schedule requires call shifts during the week (1-2 week nights ...

RN Operating Room

Wyoming, MN · On-site

$42.93 - $71.46/hr

This Operating Room Nurse position will be working 72 hours every two weeks on the rotating day/evening/night shift and 8 hour shifts. Schedule requires call shifts during the week (1-2 week nights ...

Showing results 21-40

Operating Room Nurse information

See Minnesota salary details

$16

$44

$80

How much do operating room nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room nurse in Minnesota is $44.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.10 and $47.79 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.

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

The most popular types of Operating Room Nurse jobs in Minnesota are:

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Operating Room Nurse jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Operating Room Nurse job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Room Nurse job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,626 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Registered Nurse, Operating Room

HealthPartners

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$45.34 - $78.57/hr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


HealthPartners rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Join our team as an Operating Room Registered Nurse! Our team gets to work with a variety of cases allowing you to gain a wide range of skills within the Operating Room.
Under the direction of the Nurse Manager, this position is accountable for the following:
  • Oversees nursing care needs of the newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients in the Operating Room
  • Implements nursing activities for operating room services and ensures compliance with all standard policies and procedures
  • Assists in operating procedures and implements nursing activities for cost effective and efficient operations in an operating room
  • Provides suggestions for optimizing existing work processes and resource allocation for an effective operating room
  • Ensures adherence to relevant policies and procedures for operating room nursing services
  • Promotes and ensures patient satisfaction with surgery and nursing care services
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Work Schedule:
  • This is a per diem position requiring a minimum number of scheduled shifts to maintain employment.
  • Hours may include day shifts (6:45 a.m.-3:15 p.m. or 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.), evening shifts (2:45 p.m.-10:45 p.m.), and occasional overnight coverage (10:45 p.m.-7:15 a.m.). Additional 10- or 12-hour shifts, including mid-day coverage (10:45 a.m.-5:15 p.m.), may be assigned based on department and staffing needs.
  • Schedule flexibility is required.

Required Education & Certifications:
  • Completion of a baccalaureate program in nursing
    • Applicants with an associate's degree in nursing must have 1 year (2080 hours) experience as a registered nurse
  • Licensed Registered Nurse with Perioperative course or completion of a perioperative clinical rotation through a nursing program OR 1 year of operating room RN experience OR licensed registered nurse with 3 years of experience as a Surgical Technologist/Surgical Assistant/Instrument Processing Technician
  • Licensed registered nurse by State of Minnesota
  • Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers

Benefits:
Our benefits include medical insurance, dental insurance, 401k with match, disability insurance, and tuition reimbursement. We offer an on-site employee fitness center as well as an on-site employee clinic to make it more convenient for our staff to get the care they need. We also have a Center for Employee Resilience that provides support and evidence-based practices to bring relief and build resiliency.
About Us
At HealthPartners we believe in the power of good - good deeds and good people working together. As part of our team, you'll find an inclusive environment that encourages new ways of thinking, celebrates differences, and recognizes hard work.
We're a nonprofit, integrated health care organization, providing health insurance in six states and high-quality care at more than 90 locations, including hospitals and clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical professionals across the region and conducting innovative research that improve lives around the world.
At HealthPartners, everyone is welcome, included and valued. We're working together to increase diversity and inclusion in our workplace, advance health equity in care and coverage, and partner with the community as advocates for change.
Benefits Designed to Support Your Total HealthAs a HealthPartners colleague, we're committed to nurturing your diverse talents, valuing your dedication, and supporting your work-life balance. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support every aspect of your life, including health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to help you thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, so you can continue delivering exceptional care.
Join us in our mission to improve the health and well-being of our patients, members, and communities.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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