OR Travel Nursing Jobs

Skilled Operating Room RNs are a crucial part of any successful surgical team and surgical procedure. Since success in the OR is so important to so many patients and their families, demand remains consistently high for OR nurses. This means that there’s an abundance of well-paying OR travel nursing jobs in exciting locations nationwide! If you’re an OR RN or work another OR-related role, read on to learn more and explore all the nationwide Operating Room travel nurse jobs fit for any lifestyle!

All About Operating Room Nurses

A career in OR travel nursing is a great way for you to avoid nurse burnout — the job is still very demanding, but the variety of locations and facilities can help keep you fresh and motivated. It’s also a great way to sharpen your skills, gain crucial experience, and improve your resume.

The OR — sometimes also referred to as a surgery center — is the unit of a facility where surgical procedures are performed. To succeed working in the OR you must be highly organized, have great attention to detail, practice excellent communication skills, and have excellent problem-solving skills.

Operating rooms are designed to serve an array of patients with various conditions that necessitate surgery. Modern ORs can contain a lot of high-tech equipment and even robotic systems, but the healthcare professionals that staff ORs are the backbone of a successful surgery. ORs also have special equipment like emergency resuscitative tools, diagnostic equipment, patient monitors, and respiratory and cardiac support tools.

The ultimate goal of an OR team is a safe, successful surgery that corrects or improves a patient’s physical issue.

What Does an OR Travel Nurse Do?

Travel operating room nurses, also known as a perioperative nurse, play a critical role in the surgical team. Their primary responsibilities include preparing patients for surgery, maintaining a sterile environment, assisting surgeons during procedures, and monitoring patients’ vital signs throughout the operation. OR nurses also provide post-operative care and ensure patients recover safely. Whether scrubbing in to assist directly or circulating to manage the broader surgical environment, these nurses are vital to successful surgical outcomes.

How Much Do OR Travel Nurses Make?

Because surgical care is a constant need in hospitals, operating room nurses are one of the highest-paying and in-demand specialties. When it comes to OR travel nurse salaries, they can vary depending on location, demand, and experience. However, travel nurses typically earn more than staff nurses due to the temporary nature and urgency of their roles. In addition to competitive pay, many assignments include stipends, travel reimbursements, and day-one benefits, making travel nursing both financially and professionally rewarding.

Operating Room Nurse Education

To work as an OR nurse, you’ll need to complete either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After completing your degree, passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) is required to become a licensed registered nurse. While both ADN and BSN graduates can work in the OR, many employers prefer candidates with a BSN due to its more comprehensive training and stronger emphasis on leadership and critical thinking.

OR Nurse Licensure

Licensure as a registered nurse (RN) is mandatory for all OR nurses. After passing the NCLEX-RN, you must hold an active nursing license in the state where you plan to work. For travel nurses, a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) can streamline the process and expand your assignment options. Always verify individual state requirements before accepting a new travel contract.

Operating Room Nurse Certifications

Many hospitals require OR nurses to hold certain certifications to ensure high standards of patient care and surgical support. Commonly required certifications include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

In addition, many facilities prefer candidates with advanced certifications such as:

• Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
• Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)
• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB)
• National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)

Holding these credentials can significantly increase the number of travel nurse jobs available to you and your earning potential.

Travel OR Nurse Experience Requirements

Before you can take your first OR travel nurse job, most healthcare facilities require 1-2 years of recent, in-hospital experience. Because travel nurses need to adapt quickly and contribute from day one, this level of experience ensures you’re ready to hit the ground running in any new OR environment.

Who Works in the OR?

A wide range of healthcare professionals work in the operating room unit in order to serve the needs of OR patients and perform successful operations. OR team members can include OR RNs, CRNAs, RNFAs, sterile techs, surgical techs, radiology techs, biomedical techs, OR LPNs/LVNs, surgeons, assistant surgeons, surgical assistants, anesthesiologists, circulators, administrative staff, and social workers/case managers. There are also specialty OR nurses as well, such as Cardiovascular OR nurse (CVOR), Neuro OR nurse, Orthopedic OR nurse, and Pediatric OR nurse. OR staff can work within hospitals or at outpatient surgical centers.

Who’s Treated in the OR?

Patients who need to undergo a surgical procedure are treated in the operating room and the underlying reason for each person’s surgery can vary widely. Some of the most common surgical procedures in the U.S. typically include knee and hip replacements, fracture repairs, angioplasty, stent procedures, hysterectomies, gallbladder removal, appendectomy, heart bypass surgery, cataract removal, C-sections, hernia repair, low back surgery, breast biopsies, debridement (wound, burn, infection), skin grafts, mastectomy, prostatectomy, partial colectomy, and tonsillectomy.

What is the Highest Paid Operating Room Nurse?

Among all Operating Room specialties, Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) nurses are often the highest paid. These specialized OR nurses assist in complex, high-stakes procedures such as open-heart surgeries, vascular repairs, and other cardiac interventions. The skill level, precision, and experience required for this role command a premium in the nursing field.

What is a Permanent Nurse?

A permanent nurse, often referred to as a staff nurse, is a registered nurse (RN) who is employed full-time at a healthcare facility, as opposed to taking on various travel nursing assignments. While travel nursing offers RNs the opportunity to explore new locations and contribute to patient care across different communities, permanent nursing positions provide more stability. This stability allows nurses to establish themselves in a specific specialty and pursue career advancement within a single healthcare setting.

If you’re considering permanent placements, partnering with an agency like Medical Solutions can help you maximize your career potential. Apply today, and let the best recruiters support you in finding your ideal role among numerous exclusive permanent RN jobs at leading hospitals across the United States.

Why Work With Medical Solutions?

• We have exclusive travel nurse jobs for Operating Room nurses nationwide
• We offer competitive pay and day-one health benefits for RNs
• Our recruiters specialize in helping OR RNs earn more and explore thousands of jobs across the country
• We offer free, private, and furnished housing, which is handled by our in-house specialists
• We offer travel reimbursements
• We provide 24/7 emergency support

Are you a travel nurse looking for your next great career opportunity? Click here to explore Operating Room travel nurse jobs!