Finding qualified operating nurses in today’s market has become increasingly difficult. Oftentimes, your job description will be one of the first impressions that nurses will get, and they make decisions on where they apply based on the information they see posted on the job description.

You’ll want to use our operating room (OR) nurse job description template as a starting point for attracting the best nurses to your open jobs.

When creating your operating room nurse job description, you’ll want to keep their main responsibilities in mind, as a good operating room (OR) nurse will be level-headed, need to work closely with surgeons, and charged with keeping operating rooms sterile.

[Read More: OR Nurse Salary]

About the Operating Nurse Job Description

Each section of this sample job description for nurses is based off of countless hours of research, and analysis of what performs best on nurse job boards. Make sure to keep your job title concise and descriptive of the role. Do not use any jargon or internal language when posting your operating room nurse job on job boards. You want to make sure that the nurse reading this understands what the job is, and all of the language in the job description.

Below, you’ll find a best-in-class sample template for an operating room nurse job description that will give you a head-start in posting your nurse job.

Feel free to copy the below operating room nurse job description but make sure to add information specific to your organization, the culture, perks/benefits, and double-check that the skills below match your exact requirements.

Operating Room Nurse Job Description

Company Culture / About Your Healthcare Facility

This is where you’ll write information related to your facility and what makes it unique when compared to others. Operating room nurses will want to learn about any benefits, perks, hours, etc. in this section of the job description.

Job Description / Why We’re Hiring

 We’re looking for operating room nurses who are currently licensed and want to work with .

Our ideal OR nurse will be quick-thinking, have experience in hospitals/facilities related to the job requirements, and come from an accredited nursing program. You should be proactive and able to solve problems quickly. Your background must include knowledge and experience in operating procedures and patient safety. 

Sample Operating Room Nurse Skills and Expertise:

{Below is a list of several skills and responsibilities of an operating room Nurse. }:

  • Responsible for maintaining care standards in the operating room
  • Able to assess patients quickly, prioritize, and assist in minor procedures
  • Prepare patients for the operating room table
  • Communicate with surgeons and patients
  • Demonstration of sound decision-making in emergency scenarios based on patient conditions such as vital signs, patient presentation, and assessments
  • Observe check and monitor all equipment used during surgery

Sample Nurse Responsibilities & Qualifications

  • Proven experience as an operating room nurse (circulating and scrub)
  • Knowledge of nursing care methods, procedures, and emergency care
  • Pass medical instruments to surgeon during operation
  • Expert knowledge of health and safety guidelines/procedures (sanitation, decontamination, etc.)
  • Excels at communicating with a team and has strong interpersonal skills
  • Maintain a sterile operating room
  • Records all care information concisely and accurately in appropriate manner on appropriate forms
  • Responsible and compassionate with patients
  • Able to multitask with strong organizational skills
  • Calm under pressure with excellent problem-solving skills
  • BSc or another diploma from a nursing program
  • Valid nursing license

After you post your job to hire a nurse (RN) and start receiving applicants, you’ll want to make sure to carefully interview them to make sure they’re the best fit.

Additionally, if you’re looking for per diem or short term nursing assignments, you can post your job on Medely for free. Medely is one of the largest networks of nurses looking to schedule per diem shifts with your organization. Each nurse is put through a carefully conducted background check process and can be hired as easily as calling Uber from your phone.

To get started hiring and posting your jobs for free on Medely, click here.