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Operating Room Nurse Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Operating Room Nurse

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

$34.75 - $47.25/hr

As a Operating Room Nurse, your voice to influence patient care is valued and empowered at every turn -whether through open, collaborative relationships with your direct manager or more formal ...

Operating Room Nurse

Nashville, TN · On-site

$36 - $49/hr

Operating Room Nurse Stroke response times nearly half of the national average. Cutting-edge SPOT Technology that detects sepsis earlier than the human eye. An Enhanced Surgical Recovery program that ...

Operating Room Nurse

Nashville, TN · On-site

$36 - $49/hr

Operating Room Nurse Ready for a role that supports your unique calling in patient care and fits your life? At TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center, you'll find clear pathways to advance backed by ...

Operating Room Nurse

Nashville, TN · On-site

$36 - $49/hr

Operating Room Nurse Stroke response times nearly half of the national average. Cutting-edge SPOT Technology that detects sepsis earlier than the human eye. An Enhanced Surgical Recovery program that ...

Operating Room Nurse

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$34 - $46.25/hr

Operating Room Nurse Ready for a role that supports your unique calling in patient care and fits your life? At Parkridge East Hospital, you'll find clear pathways to advance backed by our unmatched ...

Operating Room Nurse

Nashville, TN · On-site

$36 - $49/hr

Operating Room Nurse Ready for a role that supports your unique calling in patient care and fits your life? At TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center, you'll find clear pathways to advance backed by ...

Operating Room Nurse

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$34 - $46.25/hr

... 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 ...

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Operating Room Nurse information

See Tennessee salary details

$15

$41

$74

How much do operating room nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room nurse in Tennessee is $41.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.50 and $44.28 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Operating Room Nurse job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,836 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Operating Room Nurse

Hendersonville, TN • On-site

Henrico Doctors' Hospital
Hospitals • 201 - 500 employees

$34.75 - $47.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Operating Room Nurse

As an Operating Room Nurse, your voice to influence patient care is valued and empowered at every turn – whether through open, collaborative relationships with your direct manager or more formal opportunities through hospital councils and national nursing initiatives. You'll help shape decisions that elevate both patient outcomes and the future of nursing.

Job Summary and Qualifications

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
  • OR Circulating experience REQUIRED!
Benefits

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

  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
  • Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
  • Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
  • Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
  • Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
  • Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

Nurses are essential to the delivery of healthcare and serve as its foundation. At HCA Healthcare, we are committed to equipping nurses with the tools and resources they need to deliver exceptional patient care, championing the profession, and supporting the advancement of nursing's future.

Erica Rossitto, MBA/HCM, BSN, RN, NEA-BC

Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive

HCA Healthcare

TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center is a 150 bed hospital that has provided high-quality health care for over 40 years. The facility is the first Accredited Chest Pain Center in Sumner County and a Certified Primary Stroke Center. The Birth Center at TriStar Hendersonville, featuring Sumner County's only Level II NICU services which hosts spacious LDRP suites and a lactation boutique for inpatient and outpatient services. In addition, our facility is Gold Seal Certified in Total Hip and Total with The Joint Commission.

If this opportunity is your next step in your career path, we encourage you to apply for our Operating Room Nurse opening. We review all applications. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a member of our team. We are interviewing, apply today!

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.