Nursing Specialties

Operating Room (OR) Nurse

What is a Operating Room (OR) Nurse

Operating room (OR) nurses provide specialized care to patients undergoing surgical procedures. These patients range from those undergoing minor outpatient procedures to those needing major surgeries like organ transplants or cardiac surgery. OR nurses must be prepared for rapid changes in patient conditions and be able to respond quickly to various surgical emergencies.

OR nurses work in various surgical environments based on the type of surgery being performed. This includes general surgical units, specialized units like orthopedics or neurosurgery, and ambulatory surgical centers. They play a crucial role in the preparation, execution, and post-operative phases of surgery.

These nurses are instrumental in preparing patients for surgery, assisting surgeons during procedures, and providing post-operative care. They also educate patients and families about pre-and post-operative care and ensure continuity of care following surgery.

OR nurses often pursue additional training and certifications in perioperative nursing. Some become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) or clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) focusing on specific surgical specialties.

What does a Operating Room (OR) Nurse Do?

Operating room nurses perform various duties, including:

Preparing patients for surgery
Sterilizing and setting up surgical instruments and equipment
Assisting surgeons during operations
Monitoring patient vital signs and managing surgical complications
Providing post-operative care and instructions
Coordinating with other healthcare professionals for patient care

What skills does a Operating Room (OR) Nurse need?

OR nurses require specific skills to manage the demands of surgical care. These include:

Proficient knowledge of surgical procedures and instruments
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Competence in aseptic and sterile techniques
Strong communication skills for teamwork and patient interaction
Quick decision-making and problem-solving abilities

No items found.

What skills does a Operating Room (OR) Nurse need?

OR nurses require specific skills to manage the demands of surgical care. These include:

Proficient knowledge of surgical procedures and instruments
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Competence in aseptic and sterile techniques
Strong communication skills for teamwork and patient interaction
Quick decision-making and problem-solving abilities

Learn More About
Operating Room (OR) Nurses

Work settings for Operating Room (OR) Nurses

Operating room nurses primarily work in hospital surgical departments, outpatient surgery centers, and specialized surgical clinics.

‍

Common Cases Operating Room (OR) Nurses Encounter

General surgeries
Orthopedic surgeries
Neurosurgeries
Cardiothoracic surgeries
Emergency trauma surgeries
Pediatric surgeries
Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries

How to Become A Operating Room (OR) Nurse

Complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your RN license.
Gain experience in surgical or critical care nursing.
Obtain certification in perioperative nursing after meeting the prerequisites and gaining relevant experience.

How to Advance Your Career As A Operating Room (OR) Nurse

Advancing in this field can involve obtaining higher degrees like an MSN or a doctoral degree with a focus on surgical nursing. OR nurses can specialize further in specific types of surgery, become nurse educators, or move into management roles.

Education Requirements & Helpful Certification

OR nurses are encouraged to pursue certification in perioperative nursing. Recognized certifications include:

Average Salary For Operating Room (OR) Nurses

As reported by Indeed, the salary for an OR nurse varies significantly, with an average income of approximately $147,326. The lower end of the salary spectrum starts at around $105,381, while the higher end can reach up to $205,966. This variation in compensation is influenced by a range of factors, including educational qualifications, additional skills, relevant certifications, and the length of professional experience in the nursing field.

Specialty Organizations & Communities

Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)

American College of Perioperative Medicine

Ideal Personality Traits

Browse Jobs

Let's start building the life you want.

Join The Movement

← Back to Nurses

Operating Room (OR) Nurse

Education Requirements

OR nurses are encouraged to pursue certification in perioperative nursing. Recognized certifications include:

How to advance/career pathway

RESPONSIBILITIES

MOST COMMON CASES

General surgeries
Orthopedic surgeries
Neurosurgeries
Cardiothoracic surgeries
Emergency trauma surgeries
Pediatric surgeries
Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries

How to become a