Operating Room Nurse Jobs Overview
More than 310 million surgeries — elective and emergent — happen globally every year. As an operating room (OR) nurse, you’re part of an interdisciplinary team that helps keep patients safe during surgical procedures. Registered nurses (RNs) in this specialty are also referred to as perioperative nurses. They can go by a few additional names that indicate what their particular role is within the OR:
- Scrub nurses prepare the OR for patients. They sterilize the room and equipment, and might pass supplies to the surgeon during the case.
- Circulating or circulator nurses help prepare patients and provide supplies to the surgical team. They may also handle administrative duties.
- A first assistant (RNFA) is either an RN or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who works directly with a surgeon during a case by performing tasks that include monitoring vitals, controlling bleeding, and postoperative suture removal.
If you’re exploring operating room nurse jobs in hospitals or ambulatory centers, you can find full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, or per diem opportunities right here on Credenza. You can also search for OR nurse positions by popular job titles:
Education and Certifications for OR Nurse Jobs
It's possible to work in the OR in many capacities, from surgical tech to nurse practitioner and nearly every level of nursing in between. You must hold an unobstructed license or certification for your role. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is almost always a must. While RNs can hold either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the latter tends to be preferred by employers.
Eligible nurses can pursue specialized certification, which may not only enhance your clinical expertise, it can also give you an advantage when applying to OR nursing jobs. Consider the following:
- Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN)
- Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
- Certified Ambulatory Surgical Nurse (CNAMB)
For more insight into what employers might require for this role, review our sample job template for an OR nurse.
OR Nurse Resume and Cover Letter
A solid application can help you situate yourself for prime OR nursing jobs. For a standout operating room nurse resume, align your skills to the requirements of a particular job.
For instance, if an employer is hoping for a candidate who excels at providing “individualized, goal-directed patient care” and who has “medical surgical experience in an acute care setting,” be sure your resume features those phrases.
Use your OR nurse cover letter to elaborate. Share a story that illustrates how you’ve prioritized care for your patients’ unique needs in the past. This shows a potential employer that you would be a great fit for the job.
Interviewing for OR Nurse Positions
Just as you wouldn’t walk into an OR without knowing a case top to bottom, you shouldn’t casually approach a job interview — no matter how many years of experience you have under your belt. Review some of the top OR nurse interview questions and practice your answers to help take the stress off your shoulders.
Operating Room Nurse Salary
The average annual OR nurse salary is around $95,000 for an RN. Your location, certifications, experience, facility type, and employer can impact what you earn.
Ready to Find Operating Room Nurse Jobs?
Check out all the OR nurse positions available right now. Want other options? Credenza can match you with even more nursing jobs that interest you.
