How to Become an Operating Room Nurse
Operating room nurses assist surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical specialists in performing surgery on patients in an operating room. The steps to become an operating room (OR) nurse include education, testing, and licensing, after which operating room nurses can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become an OR nurse, and where to start.
Become an Operating Room Nurse in 5 Steps
An operating room nurse’s education prepares them to assist in surgeries and monitor patients throughout procedures. State licensing is required to practice as an operating room nurse, and specialty certifications highlight experts in this field.
3
Acquire a State License
Each state has different license application requirements, and operating room nurses applying for a registered nursing license can find their state’s application process at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
4
Apply for Operating Room Nursing Jobs
Once a new RN has a valid license, they may apply for operating room nursing jobs in the state of their licensure, and many surgical facilities hire new graduates.
5
Earn Operating Room Nurse Specialty Certification
Once an operating room nurse has gained some experience in this field, they may apply for further certification beyond their degree and license. The Competency & Credentialing Institute offers several specialty certifications in this field, which denotes their expertise as an OR nurse.
Schooling Requirements for Operating Room Nurses
Operating room nurses can practice with a few different levels of education, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an Associate Degree in Nursing. However, general healthcare hiring trends favor nurses with a bachelor’s degree.
A survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing found that over 70% of healthcare employers want new nursing hires to hold a BSN. The National Academy of Medicine announced a goal in 2010 for 80% of RNs to hold a BSN degree by the year 2020. By 2020, at least 65% of nurses held BSN degrees, but in 2023, the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey reported that number rose above 70%.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is the quickest option to become an operating room nurse with no previous university education. ADN degrees can take 18 months to two years to complete and may require some prerequisites before an application can be accepted.
Time to Complete
18 months to 2 years
Clinical Hours
190 to 900*
Pros
- Earn a nursing degree in less than two years
- Less competitive than a BSN
- Lower cost than a BSN
Cons
- May limit job opportunities compared to a BSN
- Must obtain a BSN before pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Central New Mexico Community College, Teaching and Learning in Nursing,
Operating room nurses with an ADN may receive lower pay and not have their first choice of positions compared to operating room nurses with a BSN. However, the nursing shortage ensures a large pool of work for nurses with ADNs.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing gives future operating room nurses a more well-rounded education experience than an ADN. Typically done over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
Clinical Hours
160 to 750*
Pros
- More likely to pass NCLEX on the first attempt (82.32% with a BSN vs. 77.91% with an ADN)
- Easier to find work in highly specialized environments like gerontology or neonatology
- Higher salary than an ADN
Cons
- Takes longer to complete than an ADN
- More competitive than an ADN
- More expensive than an ADN
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Forbes Advisor, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
A BSN prepares future operating room nurses to handle a high level of care. Where an ADN focuses on quickly preparing future nurses for clinical situations, a BSN adds higher-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
Operating Room Nurse Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Operating room nurses must apply for a registered nurse license to practice. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from one hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want to see proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.
After initial licensure, RNs must renew their license every two years in most states. Each state has varying requirements on continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. If an operating room nurse wishes to work in a new state, they must apply for a license in that state. However, some states have a “compact” agreement in which one state’s license may be used in other states. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a plethora of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Many operating room nurse positions require certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Additionally, the Competency & Credentialing Institute offers several other certifications specifically for this specialty:
All these designations announce OR nursing experience to potential employers, which often garners higher compensation.
Where Operating Room Nurses Work
OR nurses typically work in operating rooms. These may be located in hospitals of any size, in outpatient clinics, or even at sea on a Mercy Ship. Some OR nurses may also work in eye or dental surgery offices, using their skills to monitor patients under mild sedation for same-day procedures.
FAQs: How to Become an Operating Room Nurse
1. What education is needed to become an operating room nurse?
Operating room nurses must graduate with a nursing degree from an accredited college or university. They can pursue a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
2. How many years does it take to become an operating room nurse?
The time it takes to become an operating room nurse depends on which degree one pursues, but it can take anywhere from two to four years for an undergraduate degree.
3. What are the steps to become an operating room nurse?
To become operating room nurses, aspiring nurses must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they may apply for operating room nurse positions and pursue specialty certification and higher education.
4. How much do operating room nurses make an hour?
Operating room nurses make a similar wage to any other registered nurse. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs earn an average of $45.42 per hour, which equals about $94,480 annually. Nurses with an advanced degree will be able to earn more.
