What is an OR Nurse?
An OR nurse, or operating room nurse, is a registered nurse (RN) who provides care for patients before, during, and after surgeries. They play an essential role in preparing surgical rooms, assisting surgeons, and ensuring patient safety and comfort. OR nurses are also typically responsible for maintaining a sterile environment and monitoring patients’ vital signs in coordination with anesthesia providers as patients enter and recover from anesthesia.
You may be drawn to OR nursing if you thrive in high-stake environments and want to be a part of the operating room. OR nurses benefit from being calm under pressure, highly organized, detail-oriented, and skilled at anticipating the needs of both the surgical staff and their patients.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about becoming an operating room nurse, including key duties and responsibilities, required education and certifications, average pay, frequently asked questions, and the steps to start your career in the OR.
Explore OR nursing opportunities with Gifted Healthcare today! Whether you’re a new OR nurse or an experienced clinician ready for a transition, we can help you find your next rewarding and impactful role.
What Does an OR Nurse Do?
Operating room nurses care for patients before, during, and after surgery and assist the surgical team during procedures. The OR RN provides direct and individualized care to patients. OR RN job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Before Surgery (Preoperative Duties)
- Coordinate with medical team members to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care
- Review patient medical history, allergies, and surgical consent forms
- Prepare the operating room and sterile instruments
- Assist with patient positioning and surgical site prep
- Provide emotional support and education to patients and their families
- Prepare, administer, and record prescribed medications
During Surgery (Intraoperative Duties)
- Create and maintain a sterile and safe surgical environment
- Assist surgeons with instruments and equipment
- Monitor patient vital signs and communicate changes to the anesthesia team
- Anticipate the surgical team’s needs and assist them promptly
- Document surgical events and manage counts of instruments/sponges
After Surgery (Postoperative Duties)
- Help transfer patients to stretchers or the PACU safely
- Hand off reports to recovery staff and monitor patients for complications
- Ensure instruments and materials are accounted for and properly sent for sterilization per facility protocol
- Document procedures and patient conditions
- Educate patients and their families on recovery, wound care, and follow-up needs
- Administer prescribed medications, as needed
How to Become an Operating Room Nurse
To become an operating room (OR) nurse, the most important step is to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN typically takes about two years, while a BSN usually takes four years.
After graduating, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Most new grads spend a few weeks to a couple of months preparing, though the exam itself is completed in one day. Once you pass, you’ll receive your license, allowing you to begin your career as a registered nurse (RN)!
What Certifications Do OR Nurses Need?
All nurses, including OR nurses, need to get certified in Basic Life Support (BLS). This certification ensures nurses are trained to respond to emergencies in the operating room.
Additional certifications that are valuable for OR nurses (and may be required by some facilities) include:
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): ACLS is not universally required for OR RNs but it could be required in some facilities, and a lot of facilities prefer it.
- Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR): A highly respected credential that demonstrates expertise in surgical nursing practices, patient safety, and perioperative care.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): A training that provides advanced skills for handling life-threatening emergencies in pediatric surgical patients.
- Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC): While more commonly associated with emergency and trauma nursing, TNCC may be beneficial for OR nurses working in trauma or surgical centers that support emergency procedures.
How Long Does It Take to Become an OR Nurse?
Becoming an OR nurse typically takes 3 to 6 years, including completing an ADN or BSN, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, getting the required certifications, and gaining relevant experience.
Some facilities hire new nurses directly into perioperative roles, especially if they’ve completed a clinical rotation or internship in surgical nursing. However, most facilities and states prefer nurses to have 1-2 years of experience in med-surg, ICU, or another acute care setting before transitioning to the OR, as the role requires specialized skills and familiarity with surgical procedures.
If you’re ready to make this transition or explore OR nursing opportunities, check out open jobs through Gifted Healthcare today. We have a variety of OR positions available across the country, including travel, local, and PRN opportunities!
How Much Do OR Nurses Make?
Based on averages from nursing jobs listed on Gifted Healthcare, many OR travel nurses make more than $2,200 per week, and local OR nurses make more than $1,900 per week. However, rates vary by agency, position type—travel, permanent, per diem, or local—and location, with urban hospitals generally offering higher pay than rural facilities. Travel assignments also typically pay more than other nursing jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions About OR Nursing
Do operating room nurses get paid more than other specialty nurses?
Yes, OR nurses often earn higher salaries compared to some other nursing specialties. Pay can vary depending on the state, facility, level of experience, and whether the role is travel, per diem, or permanent. Generally, hospitals and surgical centers may offer higher rates for nurses with specialized perioperative skills.
How much does a new operating room nurse typically make?
Starting salaries for OR nurses vary widely based on location, the facility, and the demand for perioperative nurses. Some regions or high-demand hospitals may offer higher starting pay, while smaller or rural facilities may start lower. Additional certifications and experience can also influence starting wages!
Do operating room nurses work 12-hour shifts?
Yes, OR nurses often work 12-hour shifts, though 8- and 10-hour shifts are also common. Shift schedules vary by facility, and OR nurses may rotate between day, evening, and night shifts depending on the facility’s needs.
At Gifted Healthcare, we have open OR nursing positions across the country, so you can find a schedule and location that fits your lifestyle and career goals!
Is it hard to become an operating room nurse? How stressful is it?
Becoming an OR nurse requires completing an ADN or BSN, passing the NCLEX-RN, obtaining necessary certifications like BLS and ACLS, and gaining clinical experience. While it takes dedication and focused training, it is achievable for motivated nurses!
Additionally, working in the OR can be challenging and stressful, with high-pressure situations and long or irregular shifts, but many nurses find it to be highly rewarding.
What skills and qualities make a great OR nurse?
Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, excellent communication, and physical stamina are essential. Adaptability, teamwork, emotional resilience, compassion, and the ability to stay calm under pressure also help nurses thrive in the OR.
How do you gain experience to become an OR nurse?
Nurses can gain experience in acute care settings such as med-surg, ICU, or trauma units. Completing clinical rotations, internships, and/or perioperative training programs can also prepare nurses for the challenges of the OR.
What are the job prospects for operating room nurses?
A nationwide nursing shortage is expected to continue in the years ahead, with more than 193,000 openings projected for registered nurses each year through 2032. This is due to a mix of factors, including retirements, an aging population, and growing healthcare needs.
OR nurses will continue to be in demand as the need for surgical procedures rises. Earning certifications, such as the Certified Nurse–Operating Room (CNOR), can help show employers your expertise in perioperative care and your commitment to patient safety.
Make an Impact as a Traveling OR Nurse
Traveling OR nurses have the opportunity to take their expertise to new hospitals and communities, gaining diverse experience while enjoying the flexibility and benefits of travel nursing, including higher pay in many states. With most agencies, you’ll need at least two years of relevant experience to become a traveling OR nurse.
If you’re ready to make the transition, Gifted recruiters are here to support you every step of the way. Explore open travel OR nursing jobs through Gifted Healthcare today, or apply to speak with a recruiter!
Find Your Next OR Nursing Position with Gifted Healthcare!
Gifted Healthcare provides healthcare professionals with exceptional, high-paying career opportunities, including OR nursing.
We’ve earned recognition as a Best Travel Nurse Agency by The Gypsy Nurse, the world’s largest online community for travel nurses, and as a Top 20 Travel Nursing Company by BluePipes, the leading professional networking platform in healthcare.
Connect with a recruiter to join the Gifted Family today! Apply here.
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