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Surgical Circulating Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Circulating Nurse

Newark, DE ยท On-site

$38 - $40.38/hr

This role focuses on delivering safe patient care, supporting surgical teams, and ensuring smooth ... Circulating Nurse * OR Nurse (Circulating RN) * Location: Newark, DE area (Onsite) * Schedule:

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Circulating Nurse

Clifton, NJ ยท On-site

$55 - $58/hr

The OR Circulating Nurse will be responsible for the assisting in procedures as well as ... Previous Ambulatory Surgery Center experience (preferred) * Familiarity with medical software and ...

Circulating Nurse, OR

Provo, UT ยท On-site

$35.25 - $48/hr

Provo area surgery center is seeking a circulating nurse (RN) to ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, caring service pertinent to individual needs of surgery patients. This individual will act as ...

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Surgical Circulating Nurse information

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$16

$45

$82

How much do surgical circulating nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical circulating nurse in the United States is $45.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.82 and $48.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical circulating nurse?

A Surgical Circulating Nurse is a registered nurse who manages the overall environment of an operating room during surgery. Unlike scrub nurses who work directly at the surgical field, circulating nurses remain outside the sterile area and coordinate communication between the surgical team and other hospital staff. Their responsibilities include preparing the operating room, ensuring all needed supplies are available, documenting procedures, and advocating for patient safety throughout the operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical circulating nurse?

To thrive as a Surgical Circulating Nurse, you need a solid background in perioperative nursing, sterile technique, and patient safety, usually supported by an active RN license and operating room experience. Familiarity with surgical instruments, electronic health records (EHRs), and systems like AORN guidelines is important, and certification such as CNOR is often preferred. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with the surgical team and advocating for the patient. These skills ensure smooth surgical procedures, minimize risks, and promote optimal patient outcomes in the operating room.

How does a surgical circulating nurse typically collaborate with the surgical team during an operation?

As a Surgical Circulating Nurse, you play a vital role in ensuring seamless communication and coordination among the surgical team. You are responsible for preparing the operating room, verifying patient identity, and ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies are available. During surgery, you act as the primary liaison between the sterile surgical team and the rest of the facility, facilitating requests for additional instruments or supplies and documenting the procedure. Your ability to anticipate needs and respond quickly is crucial for maintaining patient safety and supporting a smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Surgical Circulating Nurse vs Surgical Scrub Tech?

AspectSurgical Circulating NurseSurgical Scrub Tech
CredentialsRN license, certification (CNOR)Certification (CBET or CST), high school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentOperating room, overseeing patient careOperating room, assisting surgeons directly
ResponsibilitiesManaging supplies, patient safety, documentationPassing instruments, maintaining sterile field

The Surgical Circulating Nurse and Surgical Scrub Tech both work in the operating room but have distinct roles. The circulating nurse manages patient safety and documentation, while the scrub tech assists directly with surgical instruments. Both roles require specific certifications and are essential for smooth surgical procedures.

What does a surgical circulating nurse do in surgery?

A surgical circulating nurse manages the overall environment of the operating room, ensuring patient safety, coordinating with the surgical team, and handling supplies and documentation. They monitor sterile techniques, assist with patient positioning, and communicate between team members throughout the procedure.
More about Surgical Circulating Nurse jobs

What cities are hiring for Surgical Circulating Nurse jobs?

Cities with the most Surgical Circulating Nurse job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical Circulating Nurse job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,573 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Circulating Nurse

SAN DIEGO OUTPATIENT SURGICAL CENTER

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$50 - $57/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

About the Role:
San Diego Outpatient Surgical Center is looking for a skilled and compassionate Circulating Nurse to join our dynamic surgical team in beautiful San Diego, CA. This is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality patient care in a fast-paced outpatient surgical environment. If you thrive in the OR and are passionate about patient advocacy, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities:
  • Manage the overall nursing care and safety of patients throughout the perioperative process
  • Coordinate and communicate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and scrub technicians to ensure smooth surgical workflow
  • Perform pre-operative patient assessments, including reviewing medical history and obtaining informed consent
  • Maintain accurate intraoperative documentation and surgical counts in compliance with facility protocols
  • Anticipate the needs of the surgical team and manage instrument, supply, and equipment availability
  • Monitor and maintain a sterile field environment throughout all surgical procedures
  • Provide post-operative handoff reports and ensure continuity of patient care to PACU staff
Requirements:
  • Active RN license in the state of California (required)
  • Minimum 1-2 years of circulating nurse or perioperative nursing experience preferred
  • BLS and ACLS certifications required; CNOR certification a plus
  • Strong knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile technique, and OR protocols
  • Excellent communication, critical thinking, and time management skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented surgical environment
  • Experience with outpatient or ambulatory surgery center (ASC) settings preferred
About Us:
San Diego Outpatient Surgical Center is a premier ambulatory surgery center dedicated to providing exceptional surgical care to patients across the San Diego community. Our patients trust us for our commitment to safety, efficiency, and a personalized care experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Our staff love working here because of our collaborative culture, supportive leadership, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every single day.