September 27, 2025
Discover the essential requirements, duties, responsibilities, and skills needed for a Operating Room Nurse job description.
What does a Operating Room Nurse do?
An operating room nurse is a registered nurse who takes care of patients before, during, and after surgery. They work in hospitals or other medical facilities and are sometimes called perioperative nurses.
Job Description
We are looking for a skilled operating room nurse to help with surgery preparations and take care of patients during their surgical procedures. This includes getting the operating room ready, working with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best care for patients, and providing instructions for patients after surgery.
The ideal candidate should have experience in post-surgery care and knowledge of sterilization techniques. They should also have excellent communication skills and be able to provide high-quality care under pressure.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Taking care of patients before, during, and after surgery in the recovery room, procedure room, and operating room
- Stocking the operating room with clean and sterile surgical equipment, linens, and supplies
- Creating and implementing nursing care plans for patients having surgery
- Preparing patients for surgery by cleaning and sanitizing the area to be operated on
- Assisting surgeons during surgery
- Using sterile techniques when handling medical instruments and equipment before, during, and after surgery
- Working with the surgical team and other healthcare professionals to provide the best care for patients
- Updating patient files and medical records
- Helping to order, maintain, and properly store surgical equipment and supplies
- Giving patients instructions for post-surgery care and answering any questions they may have
Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree
- Registered Nurse (RN) license approved by the state
- Certification as an Operating Room Nurse (CNOR)
- 3-5 years of experience working as a nurse in perioperative care
- Extensive knowledge of surgical instruments, equipment, and sterile techniques
- Proficiency in using recordkeeping and patient management systems like eHospital and PatientTrak
- Advanced skills in creating and implementing perioperative nursing care plans
- Ability to work well with surgical teams and other healthcare professionals
- In-depth understanding of healthcare best practices
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Operating Room Nurse Salary
The earning potential of a Operating Room Nurse can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, industry, professional experience, educational background, and the specific employer. On average, the annual salary for an Operating Room Nurse in the United States is approximately $87900.
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