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Operating Room Nurse Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Paradigm Oral Health

Nurse - Oral Surgery

Madison, AL · On-site

$60 - $85/hr

Nurse - Oral Surgery Full Time Clinical Madison, AL, US 5 days ago Requisition ID: 4284 We are an elite oral surgery practice that is committed to exceptional care for our patients and first-class ...

Paradigm Oral Surgery

Nurse - Oral Surgery

Madison, AL · On-site

$32 - $43.50/hr

Northern Alabama Oral and Facial Surgery WE ARE EXPANDING, COME JOIN OUR TEAM Oral Surgery Nurse In-office | Full-time Madison, AL About the Opportunity Website: Northern Alabama Oral Surgery We are ...

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All JobsOperating Room Nurse JobsOperating Room Nurse Jobs in Decatur, AL

Operating Room Nurse information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$15

$42

$77

How much do operating room nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room nurse in Decatur, AL is $42.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.56 and $45.77 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 Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 49% In-person, and 51% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,658 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Travel RN - Operating Room

American Traveler

Rogersville, AL • On-site

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

American Traveler is seeking an experienced Operating Room RN with a minimum of 2.5 years of experience and Level I trauma center background for a role requiring an active IL RN license.
Job Details
• Work in the Operating Room of a 562-bed acute care hospital with 23 OR rooms,
• Level I trauma center and Magnet-designated facility,
• Handles all surgical service lines except cardiovascular (CV),
• Cases include general surgery, bariatrics, neurology, orthopedics, plastics, transplant, and urology procedures,
• Uses equipment such as electrosurgical units, fiber optic light sources/cords, and Hana tables,
• Cerner EMR experience preferred,
• Day shift schedule: 3x12-hour shifts, 10:45 AM to 11:15 PM,
• Required to work 1 weekend per month,
• On-call requirement of approximately 1 shift per week,
• Floating required within the hospital or to nearby affiliate facilities,
• Assignment length is flexible from 13 to 26 weeks,
• Block scheduling is not accommodated,
Job Requirements
• Active Illinois RN license in hand or in-process required,
• Minimum 2.5 years of Operating Room RN experience required,
• BLS certification required; CNOR and CST certifications preferred,
• Level I trauma center experience required,
• General OR and trauma case experience required, including amputations, gunshot/stab wounds, and multiple-injury MVAs,
• Experience with general surgery procedures such as appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colon resection, hernia repair, mastectomy, and thyroidectomy,
• Neurology case experience including cervical fusion, craniotomy, laminectomy/discectomy, and lumbar fusion,
• Orthopedic case experience including arthroscopy, carpal tunnel release, and open/closed fracture reductions,
• Urology case experience including cystoscopy, nephrectomy, and prostatectomy,
• Bariatric case experience with laparoscopic-assisted procedures required,
• Plastic surgery experience with free flap/microvascular procedures required,
• Transplant experience including organ donation required,
• Knowledge of emergency management protocols including code response, fire safety, latex allergy, and malignant hyperthermia required,
• Proficiency in blood product administration, infection control, radiation safety, specimen handling, Universal Protocol (time-out) procedures, and urinary bladder catheterization required,
• Cerner charting system experience preferred,
• AHA or Red Cross certifications accepted; RQI certifications not accepted,
• First-time travelers not accepted for this role,
Additional Information
• Provide surgical nursing care across multiple specialties including general surgery, neurology, orthopedics, urology, and transplant cases,
• Scrubs are provided for this role,
• Must live at least 50 miles from the facility to be eligible for this position,
• Floating is required for all travelers within the hospital or to nearby affiliate facilities,
• All requested time off must be reviewed and approved by the facility manager,
• Up to 5 non-holiday RTO days may be auto-approved; additional days require facility approval,
• Candidates must work 2 of the 3 major holidays,
• Previous permanent or PRN employees must be separated from the facility for at least 12 months before returning as a traveler,
• Travel pairs are not accepted at this facility,
• Housing availability in the area is limited, so early housing search is recommended,
• Compliance requirements including lab appointments, DocuSign documents, and badge photos must be completed within 1 week of contract signing,
• Orientation includes a virtual, at-home Day 1 with required modules completed by 4:00 PM CST

American Traveler logo

About American Traveler

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With over 20 years of success in healthcare staffing, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our full-service agency has earned top ratings from healthcare professionals in every specialty and setting. We offer travel assignments in the most sought-after locations and facilities in the country. We staff major medical centers, prestigious university teaching facilities, Magnet facilities, regional community hospitals, outpatient centers, rehab centers, skilled nursing facilities and more. With our expert team behind you every step of the way, you can enjoy a rewarding travel career that exceeds your expectations. With over 20 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boca Raton, FL, US

Year founded

1999

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