OR Nursing Salary Job Description and Certifications

OR Nursing Salary, Job Description, Recommended Certifications

A quick overview of average OR nurse salaries, operating room nursing job descriptions, and preferred credentials for travelers and permanent staff

What does an operating room nurse do?

The details of an OR nurse job description does vary with the healthcare facility, but in general operating room (OR) nursing jobs involve assisting in the care of patients before, during, and after surgery. Because of the volatile nature of surgical procedures, OR RNs must be quick thinkers and calm under pressure.

Operating room nurses are typically divided into three categories: OR circulators, OR scrubs, and OR first assistants (OR RNFA). The typical duties of each of these OR nurses is different, as seen below.

OR Circulator

Before Surgery

Review patient consent forms and other paperwork
Review procedure to be performed
Assist in transport of patient into OR
Assist in positioning patient on surgical table

During Surgery

Take notes during procedure
Keeps count of each instrument used
Replenishes supplies
Communicate with individuals outside the OR

After Surgery

Verify instrument counts
Complete charting
Transport patient to PACU
Liaise with patients’ loved ones regarding the surgery

OR Scrub

Before Surgery

Prepare the surgical suite
Lay out surgical instruments
Review procedure to be performed
Assess and prepare patient

During Surgery

Monitor patient status
Pass surgeon instruments
Collects samples for lab tests
Collects all used instruments and equipment

After Surgery

Assess patient status
Transport used tools for re-sterilization
Returns used machines

OR First Assistant (RNFA)

Before Surgery

Review procedure to be performed
Answer patient questions
Review lab values for patient
Assess patient

During Surgery

Assess sterile field and patient status
Manage bleeding
Suture incisions
Assist during complications

After Surgery

Assess patient status
Provide discharge instructions

Depending on the type of procedure, surgeons’ preferences, hospital policy, and other factors, the responsibilities of one of these OR RNs may change or the nurse may not be present.

OR nurses are often required to take call, particularly if they are employed by a trauma center.

What is a typical OR Nursing salary?

According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for an OR nurse is $72,862. Depending on factors such as education level, years of experience, geographic location, and specialization, however, an OR RN could make anywhere from $70,000 to $105,000/year. This makes operating room nurses one of the highest paying nursing specialties!

How long does it take to become a traveling OR nurse?

All OR travel nurses must first obtain a nursing degree. Though they may pursue either an Associate’s Degree of Nursing (ADN) or Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN), BSNs are increasingly preferred by employers. After obtaining their degree, they must pass the NCLEX.

New grads are often able to secure entry-level OR RN positions out of school, especially in situations where student nurses shadowed, interned, or performed clinicals in the operating room. In order to pursue a career as a travel OR RN, nurses must have one to two years of experience in the operating room.

What are the recommended OR Nursing Certifications?

Many facility employers also have certification requirements for OR travel nurses. American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) credentials are required for every OR travel nurse job, while CNOR, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), or other credentials may be required for specific assignments.

Last Modified On: Oct 16, 2020

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