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If you’ve searched “Circulating Nurse job description,” chances are you’ve come across the usual copy-paste templates:
- Bullet points.
- Buzzwords.
- No real insight.
But here’s the problem—those posts don’t actually attract great candidates. They just tick boxes.
They don’t show nurses what your surgical team is really like.
They don’t communicate the impact of the role.
And they definitely don’t help you stand out in a competitive hiring market.
If you want to attract focused, detail-oriented nurses who thrive in high-pressure environments, your job description needs to do more than list duties—it needs to tell a story.
That’s what we’ll walk through here.
In this guide, we’ll help you:
- Understand what a Circulating Nurse actually does (in plain, human language)
- See two job description templates—one for experienced nurses, one for entry-level
- Learn what makes a job post actually effective (with real examples)
- Avoid common mistakes that turn top applicants away
- Use AI properly (without sounding robotic)
- And grab a quick copy-paste version to customize
Before we begin, you may want to check out this full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ if you haven’t already. It’ll give you the full context on why most job descriptions fail—and what to do instead.
Let’s get into it.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What Does a Circulating Nurse Actually Do?
A Circulating Nurse is the quiet force that keeps the operating room running smoothly.
They don’t scrub in for surgery—but they support every person who does.
Think of them as the coordinator, communicator, and safety monitor all rolled into one.
They prep the room before surgery, make sure everything is sterile and ready, and act as the bridge between the surgical team and the rest of the hospital during procedures. If the surgeon needs equipment, the Circulating Nurse gets it. If a patient needs checking, they do it. If a problem arises mid-procedure, they’re already working to solve it.
This role requires more than technical know-how. You need someone with sharp focus, calm under pressure, and the ability to advocate for patient safety—even in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment.
Two Great Circulating Nurse Job Description Templates
✅ Job Description Template: Experienced Circulating Nurse
Job Title: Circulating Nurse – Operating Room (Full-Time, Dallas, TX)
Salary: $42–$55 per hour (based on experience)
Schedule: Four 10-hour shifts, Monday–Friday (no weekends)
Type: Full-Time | In-Person | Surgical Services Department
🎥 Watch this quick message from your future supervisor:
[Insert Loom or YouTube video from the Director of Surgical Services explaining the role and team dynamic]
🏥 Who We Are
At Riverbend Medical Center, we’re known for delivering exceptional surgical care with precision, compassion, and teamwork. Located in the heart of Dallas, we’re a mid-sized, high-performing hospital with 12 modern ORs and a growing surgical program. Our nurses are treated like true partners in patient care—and we’re proud of the team culture we’ve built.
Our perioperative team includes experienced surgeons, techs, anesthesiologists, and nurses who operate with a clear mission: “Every patient deserves our best—every time.” As we expand our OR capacity, we’re looking to bring on an experienced Circulating Nurse who shares our commitment to safety, clarity, and surgical excellence.
👩⚕️ What You’ll Be Doing
- Prepare the operating room, surgical instruments, and supplies before each procedure
- Conduct pre-op safety checks, verify patient ID and consent
- Monitor sterile field, assist with positioning, and communicate between surgical and support teams
- Anticipate surgeon and anesthesiologist needs during procedures
- Document surgical events and ensure accurate charting in EPIC
- Manage specimens, coordinate with lab/pathology as needed
- Ensure infection control, safety protocols, and AORN standards are followed
✅ What We’re Looking For
- Current Texas RN License
- 2+ years of experience in an operating room environment (Circulating preferred)
- BLS and ACLS certification (required)
- Calm, organized, and assertive in high-pressure surgical settings
- Skilled in EMR (we use EPIC) and able to adapt to new technology quickly
- Passionate about patient safety and team communication
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- $5,000 sign-on bonus for qualified candidates
- Hourly pay based on experience (with shift differentials)
- Full health, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with employer match
- Tuition reimbursement and CEU support
- Scrub allowance provided quarterly
- Up to 28 days PTO per year (vacation + sick days + personal time)
- Free employee parking and on-site cafeteria with meal discounts
📈 Why This Role Is Worth Your Time
- You’ll work with a close-knit surgical team that actually supports each other
- You’ll be respected for your voice, your judgment, and your ability to problem-solve on the fly
- You’ll have real input in how the OR runs—not just a list of tasks to follow
- Leadership is transparent and approachable, with real opportunities for internal advancement
- We promote from within and make your career goals part of your work journey
- Most importantly, you’ll leave every shift knowing you helped someone get better, faster, and safer
📥 How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on your strengths, not just buzzwords.
Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
You’ll hear back from us at every stage of the process—we don’t ghost applicants.
✅ Job Description Template: Entry-Level Circulating Nurse (Willing to Train)
Job Title: Entry-Level Circulating Nurse – Surgical Team Support (Full-Time, Dallas, TX)
Salary: $36–$42 per hour
Schedule: Four 10-hour shifts, Monday–Friday
Type: Full-Time | In-Person | Surgical Services Department
🎥 Meet Your Future Team
[Insert Loom or YouTube video from a senior nurse or team leader sharing what it’s like to join the OR as a new nurse at Riverbend Medical Center]
🏥 Who We Are
Riverbend Medical Center is a high-performing hospital located in Dallas, TX, with a team-first culture and a growing surgical department. We operate 12 fully equipped operating rooms and handle a diverse mix of cases—everything from orthopedics and general surgery to cardiovascular procedures.
What makes Riverbend special isn’t just the tech or the volume—it’s the people. Our nurses are trusted collaborators, and our leadership is committed to helping new hires grow, learn, and succeed. If you’re early in your nursing career and want hands-on OR experience in a supportive environment, this is where you want to be.
👩⚕️ What You’ll Be Doing
- Assist in preparing the operating room with equipment and supplies
- Perform pre-op safety checks under supervision
- Support the surgical team during procedures by retrieving supplies and managing documentation
- Communicate with patients pre-op and ensure comfort and safety
- Learn how to manage specimens, follow sterile protocols, and maintain OR standards
- Shadow senior nurses and participate in ongoing training with our perioperative educators
- Gain hands-on experience in a high-volume, fast-paced OR team
✅ What We’re Looking For
- Active RN license (State of Texas)
- Less than 1 year of OR experience—or eager to transition into surgical nursing
- BLS certification (required), ACLS (can be completed after hire)
- Calm under pressure and confident asking questions when you don’t know
- Strong attention to detail and communication skills
- Willingness to learn new systems (we use EPIC for documentation)
- A positive attitude and desire to be part of a high-functioning team
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Starting pay based on experience + annual performance raises
- Paid OR training program with ongoing mentorship
- Full medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Tuition reimbursement for additional certifications
- CEU access and conference support
- Paid time off: 25+ days/year (vacation, sick, holidays)
- Free parking and discounted meals in the hospital cafeteria
- Mental health support + free employee wellness program
📈 Why This Role Is Worth Your Time
- You’ll receive hands-on training from experienced nurses who want you to succeed
- You’ll work in a hospital that promotes from within—our senior circulating nurses started exactly where you are now
- You’ll develop confidence, competence, and critical thinking in one of the most respected roles in nursing
- You’ll gain specialized surgical knowledge that opens doors across healthcare
- And most importantly, you’ll leave each day knowing you played a vital role in helping someone heal
📥 How to Apply
We value potential—not just polished résumés. That’s why we use WorkScreen, a structured tool that lets you demonstrate your strengths upfront.
To apply, complete your quick evaluation below:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We’ll review every application and keep you updated throughout the process.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Why These Circulating Nurse Job Posts Actually Work
Let’s break down why these two job descriptions attract stronger, more aligned candidates—especially compared to the generic templates you’ll find online:
1. The Titles Are Clear and Purposeful
Instead of just “RN – OR,” the posts use job titles like:
✅ Circulating Nurse – Operating Room (Full-Time, Dallas, TX)
✅ Entry-Level Circulating Nurse – Surgical Team Support
This instantly tells candidates:
- What kind of RN role it is
- Where it’s located
- Whether experience is required
Good titles aren’t just keywords—they’re filters. They help the right people feel seen and skip confusion.
2. The Intro Builds Connection
Each post opens with a quick video and a message that feels personal, not corporate.
This immediately humanizes your company and builds trust with applicants—especially in a high-empathy field like nursing.
Instead of a block of hospital stats, it frames the post around:
- The mission of the surgical team
- What it’s actually like to work there
- Why the role matters to the organization and patients
This emotional clarity is what moves a nurse from “maybe” to “I want this.”
3. There’s a Real “Why” Behind the Role
Both posts clearly explain the value of the Circulating Nurse—not just what they do, but why their presence matters.
This creates purpose, and purpose is what motivates great nurses.
4. The Responsibilities Are Grounded in Real Scenarios
No vague lists like:
❌ “Assist in surgical procedures.”
Instead, the tasks are described in a way that shows:
- What the nurse will do
- When they’ll do it
- Who they’ll do it with
- Why it’s important
This helps candidates visualize themselves in the role—which increases quality applications and reduces drop-off.
5. The Qualifications Show Flexibility Without Lowering Standards
The experienced post lists clear expectations. The entry-level version signals that training and mentorship are part of the package.
By separating “must-haves” from “nice-to-haves,” you:
- Keep high-performers engaged
- Invite learners with potential
- Avoid scaring away great candidates who just need a foot in the door
6. Perks and Benefits Are Specific and Relevant
Instead of saying:
❌ “Competitive salary and great benefits”
The posts detail:
- PTO days
- Scrub allowances
- Tuition reimbursement
- Shift structure and hours
- Wellness resources
- On-site perks (like parking and meals)
Transparency here builds trust and filters out candidates who aren’t aligned with your offer.
7. Why This Role Is Worth Their Time
This section goes beyond perks and speaks to the deeper reasons someone would want to work at Riverbend:
- Team culture
- Mentorship
- Feeling seen and respected
- Career progression
- Real impact on patient outcomes
It sells the role to the kind of nurse who isn’t just looking for “a job”—but a place to grow.
8. The Hiring Process Is Clear and Respectful
Instead of a cold:
❌ “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted”
Both posts explain:
- How to apply
- What tool is being used (WorkScreen)
- What to expect next
- That every applicant gets a response
This is how you stand out in healthcare, where ghosting and vague processes are common.
Example of a Bad Circulating Nurse Job Description (And Why It Fails)
❌ Bad Job Post Example: Circulating Nurse
Job Title: Registered Nurse – OR
Location: Dallas, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary:
We are seeking a Registered Nurse to assist in the operating room. The RN will be responsible for supporting surgical procedures and ensuring patient safety. Must have strong communication and organizational skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare OR before surgery
- Assist surgeon as needed
- Monitor patient during operation
- Ensure sterile environment
- Follow hospital procedures
Qualifications:
- RN License
- 2+ years experience preferred
- BLS/ACLS certified
- Good communication skills
How to Apply:
Submit your resume and cover letter to hr@hospital.org. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
🔍 Why This Job Post Falls Short
Let’s break down the red flags:
1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
“Registered Nurse – OR”
It says nothing about the specific role, experience level, or mission of the team.
It doesn’t speak to “circulating” responsibilities or attract the right nurse.
2. The Introduction Is Cold and Vague
“We are seeking a Registered Nurse to assist in the operating room.”
There’s no story. No mission. No energy. It reads like filler text that could apply to any hospital.
3. No Mention of Culture, Team, or Values
There’s nothing about who the candidate will work with or what kind of environment they’ll be stepping into.
For a role that requires teamwork, communication, and surgical trust, this is a major miss.
4. No Salary or Benefits
In 2025, skipping this makes your post feel outdated or even suspicious.
Serious candidates want to know what’s offered—if you don’t say, they move on.
5. Responsibilities Are Too Broad
“Assist surgeon as needed.”
This could mean anything. There’s no detail, no clarity, and nothing that helps a nurse picture the day-to-day.
6. The CTA Feels Dismissive
“Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.”
This comes off as cold and outdated. It gives the impression that the hospital doesn’t value applicants’ time or effort.
7. Zero Personality or Human Touch
No tone. No message from the team. No encouragement. No warmth.
It feels like a checkbox HR form instead of an invitation to join a high-stakes, high-impact surgical team.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Circulating Nurse Job Post Stand Out
These are the small touches that most job descriptions miss—but candidates definitely notice. Adding even one or two of these can instantly make your job post more trustworthy, human, and attractive.
💬 Tip 1: Add a Candidate Security & Privacy Notice
Nurses are often targeted by job scams. Including a quick security disclaimer at the bottom of your post helps protect applicants—and builds trust in your brand.
Example:
🔐 Important Notice:
Riverbend Medical Center will never ask for payment, financial information, or banking details during the hiring process. If you receive suspicious messages claiming to represent us, please contact our HR department directly at careers@riverbendhealth.org.
🧘♀️ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Everyone loves time off—but most hospitals don’t mention it. Highlighting your PTO policy or any flex days signals that you respect work-life balance.
Example:
🌴 Enjoy up to 28 paid days off annually—including vacation, sick leave, and personal time—to recharge and reset.
🚀 Tip 3: Promote Training, Certification, or Growth Opportunities
Whether you’re hiring seasoned nurses or newcomers, showing a path forward is a huge selling point—especially in surgical nursing.
Example:
🎓 We offer full tuition reimbursement for CNOR certification and support for ongoing CEUs. Want to grow into a charge nurse role? We’ll help you get there.
📹 Tip 4: Add a Short Video from a Real Team Member
This is one of the most underrated ways to connect with candidates. A 60-second Loom from the hiring manager or another OR nurse adds trust, clarity, and personality.
Tips for the video:
- Be casual but clear
- Speak to what makes the team great
- Invite candidates to apply with warmth and honesty
- Example script:
“Hey, I’m Sarah, one of the lead OR nurses here at Riverbend. If you’re looking for a team that communicates well, supports each other, and takes pride in patient safety, this is a great place to grow. Hope to see your application soon!”
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ Bonus Tip 5: Reinforce That You Actually Respond to Applicants
This alone can double your applicant trust. Most nurses have experienced ghosting, even after great interviews. Make your hiring process feel respectful and real.
Example:
🙌 We review every application carefully and keep you updated at every step—because if you’re investing your time in us, we’ll do the same for you.
AI Caution – How to Use AI Without Creating Generic Job Posts
AI can be incredibly helpful when writing job descriptions—but only if you use it intentionally.
Let’s break it down:
⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
We get it—tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and even AI features built into ATS platforms (like Manatal and Workable) make it easy to generate a job post in seconds.
But here’s the problem:
- You end up with posts that sound the same as everyone else’s
- The language is often too formal, too vague, or emotionally flat
- You miss out on what actually connects with the kind of nurses you want to hire
- You risk attracting the wrong type of applicants—those applying to every job without even reading
And most importantly:
Your job post is the first impression a candidate gets of your surgical team.
If it feels cold, robotic, or generic… they’ll scroll right past it.
✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI: Start with Real Input, Then Let AI Polish
AI is a great tool—but it’s not a mind reader.
Here’s how to use it the right way:
🔑 Give AI the Raw Ingredients First:
Before prompting, write down a few key things:
- What your hospital actually does (size, specialties, surgical volume)
- What the role entails (what success looks like, typical day)
- Your company culture (team dynamics, communication style, values)
- The kind of candidate you want (personality traits, soft skills, motivations)
- Benefits & perks (salary, PTO, flexibility, growth)
- Your hiring process (timeline, tools, expectations)
🧠 Then Use a Prompt Like This:
“Help me write a job description for a Circulating Nurse at Riverbend Medical Center, a mid-sized hospital in Dallas with 12 operating rooms. We’re hiring for a full-time circulating nurse to help with room prep, patient safety, intraoperative coordination, and communication.
Our team culture is collaborative, focused, and calm under pressure.
We’re looking for someone who is organized, assertive, and passionate about surgical nursing.
We offer $42–$55/hr based on experience, full medical benefits, PTO, and tuition reimbursement for CNOR certification.
Here’s how we hire: candidates apply via WorkScreen, complete a skills-based evaluation, and are contacted within 3–5 business days.
Here are some rough notes I wrote to include: [Paste your notes here]
Please write the job post in a warm, conversational tone—like you’re explaining it to a nurse over coffee.”
🛠️ Use AI to:
- Refine clarity
- Organize structure
- Add missing transitions
- Match tone across the post
- Reword sections for flow
But always review and adjust for accuracy, voice, and values.
Final Thought:
Treat AI like a smart intern—not your head of hiring.
Feed it strong inputs. Guide it with examples. And never publish something you wouldn’t personally say to a great nurse in person.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
Job Title: Circulating Nurse – Operating Room (Full-Time, [Location])
Salary: [$X–$Y per hour]
Schedule: [Insert shift or hours]
Type: Full-Time | In-Person | Surgical Services
🎥 Watch this message from our hiring manager:
[Insert Loom or YouTube video link]
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we’re not a faceless hospital system—we’re a team that cares deeply about our patients and each other.
Our surgical services department is growing, and we’re looking for a Circulating Nurse who brings precision, calm, and teamwork to the operating room every day.
Why This Role Matters
Circulating Nurses are the ones who keep the OR moving.
You’ll prep rooms, coordinate teams, advocate for patient safety, and step in when things get unpredictable. You won’t scrub in—but you’ll be critical to every procedure’s success.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Prepare the OR and ensure all equipment is ready
- Complete pre-op checklists and verify patient info
- Act as liaison between surgical team and external departments
- Document procedures in real time
- Maintain sterile field and assist with supply management
What We’re Looking For
- Active RN license (State of [Insert State])
- 1+ years of circulating or OR nursing experience
- BLS and ACLS certifications
- Steady under pressure and strong at anticipating team needs
- Familiarity with EMR systems (e.g., EPIC)
Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Tuition reimbursement and certification support
- Paid time off (vacation, sick days, holidays)
- Shift differentials for evenings and weekends
- Scrub allowance and free parking
Why You’ll Love Working Here
You’ll be respected, supported, and part of a team that trusts each other under pressure. We promote from within and give our nurses room to grow—not just survive.
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates fairly and quickly.
Click the link below to complete your short, structured application:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We reply to every applicant.
🧾 Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
Job Title: Circulating Nurse – OR
Location: [City, State]
Pay: [$X–$Y/hr]
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Surgical Services
Job Summary
[Company Name] is seeking a dedicated Circulating Nurse to join our surgical team. This role supports pre-, intra-, and post-operative activities and ensures safety, coordination, and communication within the OR.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up and prepare OR before each procedure
- Conduct patient safety checks before surgery
- Monitor sterile field and retrieve supplies during surgery
- Serve as communication link between OR and external departments
- Maintain documentation using EMR
- Adhere to infection control and patient safety protocols
Requirements
- Active RN license in [State]
- Minimum 1 year of OR/circulating experience preferred
- BLS/ACLS certifications
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Familiarity with EMR platforms like EPIC
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive hourly pay with shift differentials
- Full health insurance package
- Retirement plan with match
- Generous PTO plan
- Support for continuing education
Application Process
We use WorkScreen to streamline applications and evaluate candidates based on skill—not just résumés.
Apply here: 👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
What Happens After You Write a Great Job Post? Let WorkScreen Handle The Rest
Writing a strong, thoughtful job description is step one.
But once you start getting applications, a new challenge shows up:
How do you quickly spot the right candidates—without wasting hours reading resumes or guessing based on buzzwords?
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
💡 WorkScreen Helps You:
✅ 1. Quickly Identify Your Best Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ 2. Administer One-Click Skill Tests
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ 3. Eliminate Low-Effort Applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
If you’re hiring a Circulating Nurse—or any role that requires real-world ability and attention to detail—WorkScreen can save you hours and help you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
FAQ
While technical skills are important, the best Circulating Nurses also bring:
- Calmness under pressure – especially during critical procedures
- Strong communication – acting as the bridge between multiple teams
- Attention to detail – to catch protocol lapses or equipment issues early
- Assertiveness – to speak up for patient safety or flag potential risks
- Adaptability – no two surgeries are ever exactly the same
- Organizational strength – to manage the room, supplies, and documentation simultaneously
Look for candidates who can multitask without losing accuracy and who remain composed when the stakes are high.
As of 2025, the average salary for a Circulating Nurse in the U.S. ranges between $72,000 and $96,000 per year, depending on:
- Location (urban hospitals tend to pay more than rural clinics)
- Experience level
- Type of facility (private surgical centers vs. large health systems)
- Shift differentials (evening and weekend rates may increase pay)
Some top markets—like California, New York, or Texas—may exceed $100,000 annually, especially for senior OR nurses.
Not quite. While both work in the operating room, they serve different functions:
- Scrub Nurses are sterile team members who work directly at the surgical table, handing instruments and assisting the surgeon.
- Circulating Nurses remain non-sterile and handle coordination, equipment management, and documentation outside the sterile field.
The Circulating Nurse is often seen as the logistical lead and patient advocate during the procedure.
Most roles require:
- Active RN license (state-specific)
- BLS certification (Basic Life Support)
- ACLS certification (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) — sometimes required, sometimes preferred
Optional but valuable certifications include:
- CNOR (Certified Nurse Operating Room) – boosts credibility and often leads to higher pay
- TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) – especially for nurses in trauma or emergency surgery settings
